Juneteenth commemorates the day when 250,000 formerly enslaved African Americans were freed in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 — over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Today, June 19 is a federal holiday and is celebrated with festivals featuring songs, dancing, food and family gatherings — including in Bloomington.
From noon-3 p.m. Wednesday at the Neal-Marshall Courtyard, the Black Culture Center is celebrating the holiday with food, music, games, a cakewalk and arts and crafts activities. It will feature local favorite Rasta Pops, which are Brazilian fusion ice pops. The event will also welcome the incoming class of Groups Scholars to campus. More details can be found online.
The Back Door will hold a Juneteenth Open Stage event for performances of any kind, whether it be a poetry reading, drag performance or song. In celebration of the holiday, drag performers Desiree Bowier and Zariah will be hosting the open stage with a special cast. The bar opens at 5 p.m., and the show will begin at 9 p.m.
Learn the history of gospel music in Bloomington at the “Praise the Lord! The Precedence, Practitioners, and Power of Gospel Music in Bloomington” exhibit at the Monroe County History Center, curated by Alonza Lawrence. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the History Center.
