Join residents and visitors alike as they create traditions around freedom, family and fellowship. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, will be commemorated throughout Hampton this month with an exciting lineup of festivals, concerts, discussions and a community walk. A Day of Remembrance ceremony will also be held to honor those that lost their lives during the Middle Passage.

Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. Additionally, it’s the “longest-running African American holiday” having been celebrated since June 19, 1865. 

Although President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, enslaved people in the southwest weren’t aware of their freedom until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 and told them of their fate. More than 250,000 men and women learned of their freedom. Juneteenth parties, gatherings, jubilees, and festivals serve as a reminder of victory over slavery. In June 2020, Governor Ralph Northam issued an executive order making the day an official state holiday in Virginia. 

For a full calendar of events, go to visithampton.com.

Sankofa’s International Day of Remembrance Ceremony
Saturday, June 11, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Outlook Beach, Fort Monroe, Gullick Drive Hampton, Va
Free and open to the public
This day honors the millions of African men, women and children who perished during the Middle Passage. Join The Sankofa Projects as they educate and celebrate the rich and diverse history of the African diaspora and bring awareness to this tragic chapter in American and global history. The program includes African drumming, songs, dance, poetry, historical presentations and a traditional African libation at noon. Follow signs to the event location.

Registration is required. To register, call 757-727-1102 or email thesankofaprojects@gmail.com. You may bring beach chairs/umbrellas, only clear bags allowed. Suggested attire is African and/or white clothing. Presented in partnership with the Fort Monroe Authority and Fort Monroe National Monument.

Juneteenth: The Fight for Freedom and the Power of Words
Monday, June 13, 6-8 p.m
Hampton History Museum, 120 Old Hampton Lane Hampton, Va
Free and open to the public
Join playwright Marie St. Clair for this Fragments of Freedom Cultural Arts & Theatre Productions event: showcasing spoken word, video and live music to honor the arc of freedom fought for by African Americans throughout history. A host of speakers from the arts, media, and the government will present excerpts of powerful speeches from historical figures that embody the innate desire for freedom and demand for civil rights. Presented in partnership with the Fort Monroe Authority and Fort Monroe National Monument.The Hampton History Museum is located at 120 Old Hampton Lane in Downtown Hampton. There is free parking in the garage across the street from the museum. For more information call 757-727-1102 or visit www.hamptonhistorymuseum.org.

Juneteenth Jazz: The Wave of Freedom Concert
Saturday, June 18, 6 p.m.
Fort Monroe Theatre, 42 Tidball Rd, Hampton, Va
Free and open to the public
Many of the early Juneteenth traditions and celebrations revolved around music, dancing and togetherness and this year is no different! Enjoy a soulful evening of music at the Juneteenth Jazz: Wave of Freedom Concert. Sponsored by the Fort Monroe Authority and Fort Monroe National Monument, this dynamic and empowering event honors the legacy of Juneteenth through captivating performances from a variety of local jazz musicians. For more information call 757-637-7778.

Celebrate Healthcare’s Juneteenth Festival
Sunday, June 19, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Darling Stadium, 4111 Victoria Boulevard Hampton, Va
Free and open to the public
Celebrate freedom and Father’s Day at Celebrate Healthcare’s Juneteenth Festival. Attendees can partake in a plethora of community-focused activities including entertainment, health and wellness offerings, a resources fair and other special attractions. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Rahiem (formerly with Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five) will be the event’s featured act. United Souls Band, Beauty for Ashes Dance Troupe and Gina J. Payne and “Step Up” Connection will also be performing at this year’s festival. For more information call 757-287-0277.

The Hampton Faith Walk Community Juneteenth Celebration
Still Walking for Racial Justice & Equality
Sunday June 19, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Mill Point Park, 100 Eaton Street Hampton, Va
Faith Walk Hampton invites you to their 3rd annual Juneteenth Celebration: Still Walking for Racial Justice & Equality. This event seeks to heal racial injustice in our community. A collective of over 20 churches throughout the city, local leaders and more will be marching from City Hall to Mill Point Park commemorating the holiday. SAME will be one of the organizations with an information table, and they would like to offer homemade cookies to everyone who stops by. A celebration that includes a Father’s Day presentation, a Juried Youth Art Contest, food trucks and more will take place after the march. Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck will also read a special proclamation during the event. For more information call 757-602-9196.

Hampton African American Heritage Festival Juneteenth Commemoration
Saturday, June 25, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Mill Point Park, 100 Eaton Street Hampton, Va 
$10 for adults; children under 12 are free
Sponsored by Project 1619, the Hampton African American Heritage Festival Juneteenth Commemoration will honor the legacy of Juneteenth and the landing of the first enslaved Africans in English North America. Taking place at Mill Point Park, the event includes an African street market featuring items such as African apparel, arts and crafts and more for purchase. Additionally, guests can enjoy food vendors, African dancers and drummers, and live entertainment while at the event. A traditional libation ceremony is also scheduled as well as a community paint party. The title sponsor for this event is Old Point National Bank. For more information call 757-380-1319.