Juneteenth celebrates the day in 1865 when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued an order informing slaves in Texas they were freed – nearly six months after Congress had passed the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery.
Margie Gill, Ph.D., executive director for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives at Brenau and an associate professor of psychology, said Juneteenth is very personal as a time to celebrate the liberation of her African ancestors, but also an important day for Brenau to recognize.
“We reminisce and honor the lives and the memories of our loved ones who equipped us to survive and thrive in this world,” she said. “The Brenau Ideal reminds us to love deeply, fear nothing and hate never. As a university, we are committed to doing our part to increase the knowledge and understanding of students, staff, faculty and the community.”
Brenau’s Black Faculty and Staff Association sponsored and posted a sign commemorating Juneteenth in front of the Owens Student Center on Prior St.
Want to learn more about Juneteenth? Gnimbin Ouattara, Ph.D., associate professor of history at Brenau, provides the historical background about the country’s newest federal holiday and how it is celebrated.
Brenau will be closed Monday, June 19, in honor of the federal holiday. A variety of events are scheduled across north Georgia and metro Atlanta throughout the weekend to celebrate Juneteenth, including:
Juneteenth Generations: A Showcase of Historic Portraitures from the N.C. White Collection
The Northeast Georgia History Center, Gainesville, GA
June 9-30
A Black history-focused exhibit will be available to view for most of June and during the Juneteenth holiday. The Northeast Georgia History Center will showcase photography by N.C. White Jr., whose studio was started by his father, N.C. White Sr. Their studio was located at 40 Main St. on the Gainesville Square from the 1880s to the 1950s. Some of the prints on display include portraits of Black individuals who resided, worked, or visited from the surrounding area.
Gainesville-Hall County Black History Society Juneteenth Celebration
695 Fair St., Gainesville, GA
June 17
The Gainesville-Hall County Black History Society will hold a celebration on June 17 at 695 Fair St. featuring a day of fun, food, and festivities. This community event celebrates freedom in the United States of enslaved Black people. The event features a parade, live music, performances and delicious food from local vendors. There will also be activities for children, including face painting and games.
3rd Annual Juneteenth Community Festival
Boundary Waters Park, Douglasville, GA
June 17-18
Honor the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Service to Humanity, Inc. celebrates and honors this day with a festival that features a variety of vendors, food trucks and a host of entertainment.
Black Women’s Association of Sugar Hill Juneteenth Celebration
The Sugar Hill Bowl, Sugar Hill, GA
June 17
The Black Women’s Association of Sugar Hill will hold their annual Juneteenth celebration from 4-9 p.m. on June 17. This year’s event offers a wide range of activities and attractions for all ages, including wing cook-offs, trivia games, family competitions, vendors and food trucks.
Piedmont Summer Movie Series: 2023 Juneteenth Celebration at The Backyard
1 Backyard Way, Atlanta, GA
June 17
The Piedmont Summer Movie Series kicks off on June 17 with a Juneteenth Celebration. This year’s event celebrates the arts that have contributed to the culture and Black excellence, along with a Vendor Village, food trucks, giveaways, raffles, and activities the entire family can enjoy. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and events and activities continue until 9:30. The movie, “The Wiz,” begins at 9 p.m. After the movie, a laser light show on the side of Mercedes-Benz Stadium will close out the celebration.
Norcross Juneteenth Festival
Thrasher Park, Norcross, GA
June 17
The City of Norcross, in partnership with the Gwinnett NAACP and RevUp, will celebrate Juneteenth from 2-8 p.m. on June 17 at Thrasher Park. A day of community, history, and celebration honors the end of slavery in the United States. There will be live music, food, vendors and activities for all ages. plus, a Youth Village which includes fun activities such as games, arts & crafts, face painting, bouncy houses and more. This event is free and open to the public.
Emancipation Day: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building a Better Future Together
Snellville Towne Green, Snellville, GA
June 18
Celebrate Father’s Day in Snellville with entertainment and fun all day. Children’s Zone. Food Trucks. Vendors. Hourly Door Prizes. Swag bags for the first 100 men. Swag bags for the first 100 adults.
Live Taping of Closer Look
Atlanta History Center, Atlanta, GA
June 16
Join WABE’s Closer Look with Rose Scott life from Atlanta History Center in celebration of the Juneteenth holiday. This special live taping of WABE’s Closer Look focuses on “Words and Beats: Telling the Juneteenth Story.” Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and recording will be from 1–2 p.m.
Juneteenth Block Party
Forsyth County YMCA, Alpharetta, GA
June 19
This free community event celebrates freedom at the Forsyth County Family YMCA in Vickery Village. Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. There will be unique local vendors, food trucks, good music, free game area for children including inflatables. Guest speaker Dr. Lauren Johnson will share the history of Juneteenth and why it is a celebration for all.
United Ebony Society Juneteenth Celebration & Music Festival
Rhodes Jordan Park, Lawrenceville, GA
June 17
A family fun-filled day featuring presentations, speakers, music, vendors, games and food.
DeKalb County Juneteenth Concert
Rainbow Park Amphitheatre, Decatur, GA
June 17
An unforgettable evening of music and celebration to commemorate Juneteenth in DeKalb County! The lineup features some of the best local artists and musicians, bringing you a diverse range of genres and styles. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. on June 17.
Jubilee: A Juneteenth Celebration
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Atlanta, GA 30313
June 17-19
The Center celebrates Juneteenth through music, history, and culture. This program explores the history of Juneteenth and the new traditions being created in honor of this joyous occasion. Enjoy music inspired by this history, immerse yourself in the culture of Juneteenth through performances and find a new piece of your tradition.
- June 17: Juneteenth Chalk Art; Giwayen Mata Dance Performance; Alma Thomas Mural; Juneteenth Creative Coloring; Book and Activity Giveaway
- June 18: Alma Thomas Mural; Juneteenth Creative Coloring; Book Giveaway and Activity Giveaway; Bracelet Making; History of Music; Free at Last Immersive Performance.
- June 19: Alma Thomas Mural; Juneteenth Creative Coloring; Book Giveaway and Activity Giveaway; Bracelet Making.
