Juneteenth holiday events around Bradenton and Sarasota: Festivals, music and more
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S., and Bradenton and Sarasota will celebrate the historic day in 2024 with festivals, fun and community events.
The holiday marks the moment in 1865 when word of the Emancipation Proclamation reached African Americans who were still being held captive by their enslavers in Galveston, Texas. It was two-and-a-half years after the abolition of slavery.
Over the next 150 years, the day came to symbolize African American freedom as its celebration spread from Texas across the U.S. It became a federal holiday in 2021.
Here’s where to join in on the local celebrations:
Juneteenth Reading Conference
Hosted by RECESS Education, this annual event for elementary school-aged kids features storytelling, hands-on crafts and fun on Juneteenth.
Free breakfast and lunch are included for both events.
The 2024 event will happen at two locations in Bradenton:
Session One: Author Ruth Duval at Bat City Comic Professionals: Children’s author Ruth Duval will read her book “Where are the Butterflies?”
- Details: 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, June 19. Bat City Comic Professionals, 915 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. Free but space limited; registration required. Visit Recessedu.org to register.
Session Two: Author Vincent Taylor at 13th Avenue Dream Center: Children’s author Vincent Taylor will give a “hip-hop rhythmic reading” at the Dream Center with help from Cornbread, one of his book characters come to life.
- Details: 1:30 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 19. 13th Avenue Dream Center, 922 24th St. E., Bradenton. Free. No registration required.
- Info: RecessEDU.org. (941) 212-7630.
Juneteenth art talk
On Wednesday night, the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition and The Ringling will host a talk examining the work of two influential local African American artists — Eleanor Merritt and John Sims.
“Both artists have shaped Sarasota’s artistic landscape, influenced a generation of young Black artists and expanded their opportunities,” organizers said in an event preview.
Artist, Miami native and Ringling Merritt Fellow Jevon Brown will lead the discussion.
Guests are asked to RSVP for the free event by contacting Mydahlia Glover, mgloversaacc@outlook.com or calling 813-419-0454.
- Details: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 19. Leonard Reid House, 2529 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. Free.
- Info: TheSAACC.com
Juneteenth Community Festival
The Juneteenth celebration will continue this weekend with a community festival at the 13th Avenue Dream Center on Saturday.
The free outdoor festival will feature Black heritage and history, food vendors, arts and crafts, bounce houses, a children’s parade and a “youth entrepreneur corridor.” A battle of the DJs will pit old-school jams against recent hits, and bakers will compete in a sweet potato pie contest.
- Details: 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 22. 13th Avenue Dream Center, 922 24th St. E., Bradenton. Free.
- Info:
Juneteenth celebration in Palmetto
Mount Raymond Baptist Church in Palmetto will host a Juneteenth celebration on Saturday in partnership with local organizations.
The event includes a cookout and a voter registration drive. Mayors’ Feed the Hungry will host a food drive and giveaway.
- Details: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 22. Mount Raymond Baptist Church, 2410 Fourth Ave. E., Palmetto.
- Info: Facebook.com/MayorsFeedTheHungry
Juneteenth Jubilee Jam
The Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition and the Sarasota Democratic Black Caucus will host an evening of live music in honor of Juneteenth on Saturday evening at the Leonard Reid House in Sarasota.
The show will be hosted by local actor and singer Ariel Blue with music performances by Jah Movement (reggae), Ryane Felix (indie), Dréco (rap) and Derric Gobourne Jr. (R&B).
Food and retail vendors will also be there, and guests can also enjoy educational activities and learn more about Newtown’s cultural heritage.
- Details: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 22. 2529 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota.
- Info: ACGProductions.squarespace.com/events
Newtown Juneteenth street party
The Fifth Annual Newtown Juneteenth Celebration will bring a family-friendly street festival to Sarasota on Saturday.
This year’s theme is “honoring the past, celebrating the progress and building on the promise of freedom for all.”
The event will feature vendors, food and live music.
- Details: Noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 22. The festival takes place on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way between Gillespie Avenue and Pershing Avenue.
- Info: Facebook.com/theculturequeen941
This story was originally published June 18, 2024 at 5:50 AM.