From food to fireworks: 12 ways to celebrate Juneteenth across Coastal Georgia, the Lowcountry
A celebration of freedom: a list of Juneteenth events happening across the area
A celebration of freedom: a list of Juneteenth events happening across the area
A celebration of freedom: a list of Juneteenth events happening across the area
Above video: How Juneteenth was observed and celebrate across America last year
Even though slavery "ended" with the Emancipation Proclamation, many slaves did not find freedom until much later because it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. According to the Nation Museum for African American History and Culture, freedom finally came on June 19, 1865. This day came to be known as "Juneteenth," by the newly freed people.
There are many ways to celebrate Juneteenth across Coastal Georgia and the Lowcountry, from supporting a Black-owned business to hanging out with family and friends to catching one of the amazing celebrations taking place across the community. Our team has put together a list of a few events going on to help planning your festivities even easier.
1) The 7th Annual Bluffton Juneteenth Celebration is happening from 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. on June 19 and promises to offer something for everyone with free family-friendly, community wide festivities featuring Gullah vendors, food trucks and live entertainment. The event benefits The Bluffton MLK Observance Committee and is presented by Burnt Church Distiller and Lowcountry Legacy Fund.
2) The Savannah African Art Museum is "honoring the past and embracing the future" during their Juneteenth celebrations on June 19 from 12 p.m.-4 p.m.. This community event includes music, storytelling, art, tours and more, plus it's free to the public! Masks will be required during event participation and museum walkthrough.
3) The Juneteenth Celebration in Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park will feature food by Melly Mel’s, Gullah Geechee Cuisines and Rainbow Ice, art presented by Keepers of the Canvas, vendors from the Reconstruction Era National Network and the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, and video games and fun area for kids and families. Plus, there will be entertainment by Marlena Smalls and the Hallelujah Singers, Inda Walker, DJ D White and the Grammy-nominated trio The HamilTones! Chairs are welcome, but no coolers in the park. This event is expected to sellout so it's recommended that you purchase tickets in advance. Events kick off on June 17 and run through June 19.
4) Tybee Island wants you to head their way to celebrate with their Juneteenth Arts Festival. There will be numerous events over both Saturday and Sunday, June 19 and June 20, including a Community Wade-In and an African Art Exhibit.
5) Sulphur Studios in Savannah is featuring "A Return To..." curated by Alexis Javier runs through June 20 at 5 p.m.. The gallery will have events ranging from an artist talk to roundtable discussions. Find out more about all they are hosting here.
6) Head down to Midway for the Juneteenth Freedom Day celebration that lasts all weekend long and features the history of Juneteenth with food trucks, vendors, performing arts, storytellers and much more. All brought to you by Black & Minority Business Owners of SE Georgia on June 19 and 20.
7) The Bryan County NAACP will be hosting Juneteenth Celebrating Freedom Day with DJ Terry, vendor tables, food, and open mic and a special appearance by Prince of Peace Community Choir. These events take place on June 19 from 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
8) Make sure to swing Juneteenth at Freeport Marina on Daufuskie Island, with a special book signing event featuring author, Roger Pinckney. This event is taking place at the Old Daufuskie Crab Company on starting at 10 a.m. on June 19.
9) There's family friendly fun to be found in Guyton at the Juneteenth Celebration at the Promised Land Farm. This event is hosted by A KnUW Way Of Ga and The Promised Land Farm. There is free admission but they ask that you please let them know you're coming by reserving tickets. Dinners and concessions will be on sale. Fireworks begin just after sunset. Make sue you bring a folding chair or blanket. The fun starts at 7 p.m. on June 19.
Why wait until the 19th to celebrate? Many places across the area will have things going on all week long!
10) Some ways to kick off the fun early include many more events happening in Hilton Head at Mitchelville Freedom Park. Events begin there on June 17 with the "slave dwelling project." And on June 18 you can swing in for dinner and a movie featuring "Lift Every Voice And Sing." While the event is free, there will be fish dinners available for purchase.
11) More fun happening: the Jepson Center will be offering free admission all weekend long. Come check out the activity kits available that focus on African American culture and themes. This happens June 12 and June 13.
12) Love Sunday Brunch and want to keep the celebrations going? Buy tickets now for Burnt Church Distillery's Sunday Jazz Brunch on June 20 with mimosa bar, Bloody Mary bar and a Gullah/Lowcountry Brunch catered by Melly Mel's with jazz music featuring Zandrina Dunning.