Lexington to hold new Juneteenth events. Where, how to celebrate the holiday

Juneteenth will be observed on June 19, and this year, the Lexington community is offering a variety of events to celebrate the holiday.

This comes a year after President Joe Biden signed a bill establishing the day as a federal holiday, Juneteenth National Independence Day. Although observing Juneteenth may be a yearly occurrence for some, others may be new to the tradition.

Commemorating the day all enslaved people were legally liberated on June 19, 1865, Juneteenth is the oldest nationally observed celebration of the end of American slavery.

This year, in addition to the annual events at African Cemetery No. 2 and the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden, several additional celebrations will be held in the Bluegrass.

“These celebrations will give people new ways to enjoy the holiday, and opportunities to learn more about its meaning,” Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said in a news release.

Here are some ways to celebrate Juneteenth this year around Lexington:

Saturday, June 18

• Soulteenth — Held noon-7 p.m. at the Moondance Ampitheater (1152 Monarch Street). This celebration will feature music, art, agriculture and food celebrating Black liberation.
• Juneteenth Jubilee — Held 7-8:30 p.m. at African Cemetery No. 2 (419 East Seventh Street). This year’s Jubilee will be the 17th annual celebration held at the cemetery, honoring Civil War soldiers who fought for freedom.

Sunday, June 19

• Juneteenth Festival — Held 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden (577 East Third Street). The festival will offer morning services, kids’ activities, vendors, information booths and entertainment celebrating Black liberation.
• Wise Guys Barbershop & Georgetown St. Neighborhood Association Juneteenth Celebration — Held 5-9 p.m. at Douglas Park (726 Georgetown Street). Meant to bring awareness to culture, history and equality, this celebration will feature food service from chef Doug Johannes from 5-7 p.m., music by DJ Classic, fireworks and inflatables.
• Juneteenth Independence Day Celebration: Affrilachian Poets Literary Event — Held at 7 p.m. at the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center (300 East Third Street). This event will feature members of the Affrilachian Poets and include special guests current Kentucky Poet Laureate Crystal Wilkinson and former Kentucky Poet Laureate Frank X Walker.

More information can be found at the City of Lexington’s website.