Celebrating Juneteenth (Freedom Day)

Program Type:

Arts, Culture, & Literature

Age Group:

Family, School Age (ages 6-11), Teen, Adult
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.

Event Details

 

Juneteenth National Independence Day is officially celebrated on the anniversary of June 19, 1865, the date that slavery ended in the United States with the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas following the end of the Civil War. Since 1866, communities have been gathering to celebrate this historic holiday which became federally recognized in 2021.

 

 

Juneteenth Movie: The Color Purple (2023)

Musical adaptation of Alice Walker's novel about the life-long struggles of an African American woman living in the south during the early 1900s. This presentation is recommended for adults.

Adaptación musical de la novela de Alice Walker sobre las luchas de toda una vida de una mujer afroamericana que vive en el sur a principios del siglo XX. Esta presentación está recomendada para adultos.

Rated/Clasificado PG-13

Sunday, June 9 at 1:30 p.m., Pleasant Grove Branch 

 

African Textiles Workshop with Renee Michea'l Jones

Hear cultural artist Renee Miche’al use her theatrical skills to weave a story about the history and making of the Adinkra cloths of the Ashanti of Ghana in West Africa. Then create your own Adinkra story banner using ancient symbols of wisdom and knowledge.

Thursday, June 13, 5:30 p.m., Fretz Park Branch 

This program is supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture.

 

An Evening With Ms. Opal Lee

Share a special moment with us as we welcome a visit from the "grandmother of Juneteenth," Ms. Opal Lee. Registration is required.

Thursday, June 13 at 6 p.m., Skyline Branch

 

Crafternoon: Juneteenth-Inspired Art

Explore the vibrant history of Juneteenth through art! Delve into the rich cultural significance of this celebration while creating a Juneteenth flag suncatcher.

Friday June 14 at 3 p.m., Audelia Road Branch 

 

Juneteenth Celebration

We’re hosting a festival to commemorate Juneteenth! It will feature Black-owned businesses and restaurants, performances by Black and African American artists, Juneteenth-themed crafts and an art contest displaying work from local students. Please note: This event will be held both outside and indoors.

Saturday, June 15 at 11 a.m., Forest Green Branch 

 

Into the Archives with Bob Rigdon: Preserving Dallas History Thru Metal Detecting

Bob Rigdon will lead a "detectorist deep dive" as he talks about the items of historical significance he found using his metal detector in historic Dallas locations like North Dallas Freedman's Town and Tenth Street.  Learn about his process and experiences, and see some of his finds on exhibit.

Saturday, June 15, 1 p.m., J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall  

 

Juneteenth Unity Bracelets

Craft unity bracelets and weave together threads of our shared history. Each bead represents a story, a triumph and a legacy. Registration is required.

Saturday, June 15 at 1 p.m., Oak Lawn Branch 

 

Juneteenth Concert with musical guest Kamica King!

The community is invited to enjoy the musical stylings of Kamica King. This special concert is inspired by Juneteenth and is open to everyone!

La comunidad está invitada a  disfrutar del estilo musical de Kamica King. Este concierto especial está inspirado en Juneteenth y está abierto a todo el mundo.

Saturday, June 15 at 2 p.m., Pleasant Grove Branch 

This concert is supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture.

 

Juneteenth Jubilee

Learn about the significance of the Juneteenth holiday while enjoying a morning filled with storytelling and crafts for the whole family.

Sunday, June 16 at 10 a.m., Bachman Lake Branch  

 

Human Library: Juneteenth Across Generations

Arrive between 10 a.m. and noon, and plan to spend 20 minutes "reading" another person—a human book—who has unique stories to share about Juneteenth. Participants are encouraged to actively listen, ask questions, learn and remain respectful of shared dialogues and experiences. Registration is required.

Sunday, June 16 at 10 a.m., Bachman Lake Branch 

 

Crafter-noon: Juneteenth

Kids, get crafty with us! Make confetti poppers to celebrate Juneteenth. All materials will be provided while supplies last.

Sunday, June 16, 2 p.m., Renner-Frankford Branch

 

Juneteenth at Youth Discovery Center

Learn about the history of Juneteenth and how this holiday is celebrated!

Sunday, June 16 at 2 p.m., J. Erik Jonsson Central Library Children's Center Craft Area (2nd Floor) 

 

Juneteenth Dance Workshop

In honor of Juneteenth, Obiora Asiama will educate kids on the history of traditional African dances and will teach them a part of a dance. They will finish the dance workshop with a better understanding of African culture and will feel more in tune with how to express themselves through dance.

Tuesday, June 18 at 4 p.m., Mountain Creek Branch  

This program is supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs.

 

Juneteenth Celebration

Come together for a special Juneteenth craft rooted in African American History. CAP Artist Renee Miche'al Jones will empower through art that celebrates African culture, heritage and contributions to society. Suggested audience: Teens.

Tuesday, June 18 at 5 p.m.,  Highland Hills Branch 

This program is supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs.

 

Juneteenth Celebration: The Bandan Koro Experience

Enjoy a performance by Bandan Koro  featuring a high energy interactive and dynamic display of African drumming, song and dance choreography while sharing history and cultural context.

Tuesday, June 18 at 5 p.m., Prairie Creek Branch 

This program is supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs.

 

Juneteenth Celebration

Celebrate freedom, culture, and creativity at our special Juneteenth event! We're hosting a two-hour extravaganza filled with dance, music, and community spirit featuring the talented Jazz Becuzz and Rob Holbert Group!

Tuesday, June 18 at 5 p.m., Polk-Wisdom Branch 

This program is supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs.

 

All Dallas Public Library locations will be closed Wednesday, June 19 in commemoration of Juneteenth.

 

Juneteenth: Recipes and Remembering

Bring in your own family recipes and stories and add them to our Juneteenth display. All recipes and stories will be collected into a digital booklet to share!

Thursday, June 20 through Saturday, June 22, Preston Royal Branch

 

Juneteenth Spinners

Create your own one-of-a-kind Juneteenth spinner and learn more about Juneteenth!

Thursday, June 20 at 11 a.m., Lancaster-Kiest Branch 

 

Juneteenth Suncatcher

Design a unique suncatcher inspired by the colors and symbols of the Juneteenth flag and reflecting the themes of Juneteenth: freedom, unity, and hope.

Thursday, June 20 at 4 p.m., Mountain Creek Branch