TEMPE, Ariz. – Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, an important day in history when the last enslaved African Americans in the U.S. were freed. Though the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed in 1863 by Abraham Lincoln, it took 2.5 years for word to reach as far as Galveston, Texas. Juneteenth marks the day when freedom from slavery became a reality for all African Americans.  

Valley residents are encouraged to take part in a two-day Juneteenth celebration at the Tempe History Museum on June 16 and 17.  Both events are being held inside the museum, are free to attend and open to the public. Attendees will learn more about this historical day while honoring African American heritage through discussions, performances, displays and informational booths.

Juneteenth Video and Discussion

Friday, June 16, 7-8:30 p.m.

• View a brief video and have a discussion about the events and conditions that led to Juneteenth
• Delve into Lincoln’s issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation and its relationship to Juneteenth
• Light refreshments will be provided

Juneteenth Festival

Saturday, June 17, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Family-friendly live music from local singers Tashay Knight and Jessie Washington; dance performances from Jasmine Taylor and the dynamic Phx Sol Steppers; and African drumming and storytelling by Keith Johnson.
• Displays and Information booths focusing on freedom, finance, family and education  including Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Maricopa Community Colleges
• Raffle prizes, giveaways and scavenger hunts
• Purchase Magnolia BBQ and Snow Cones on site
• Speakers include: Mr. Barry Wong, Governor’s Office of Diversity, Dr. Fred Warren, Past President and Founding Member of the African American Advisory Committee and City of Tempe CouncilmembersRandy Keating

The Tempe History Museum is located at 809 E. Southern Ave. on the southwest corner of Rural Road and Southern Ave.

The fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration is presented by Tempe History Museum’s African American Advisory Committee whose mission is to create a forum, to collect and preserve the African American history of Tempe and to promote those stories for the benefit of the community of Tempe, Arizona.

Visit www.tempe.gov/museum or call 480-350-5100 for more information.