LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Juneteenth was signed into a federal holiday a couple of years ago in 2021, but communities around the U.S. have observed the holiday well before then.
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, commemorates the emancipation of African Americans that were enslaved.
Taking its name from the month and day that the emancipation took place, Juneteenth became recognized as a federal holiday 142 years after the last group of enslaved African Americans were told of the Emancipation Proclamation.
The holiday celebrates Black autonomy and is filled with history, tradition, and culture.
Here's where you can find events in Central Arkansas to celebrate the holiday:
- Juneteenth in Da Rock | June 15, 2023 - June 17, 2023: This event features a brunch on June 15 and a film festival on June 16 that will be emceed by Faith Woodard. There will be a Juneteenth 5K hosted by Jurnee Taylor on June 17.
- Juneteenth Arkansas Festival | June 17, 2023: Parade will take place at 1 p.m. at 12th and Broadway. The Festival will take place at 3 p.m. at Interstate Park. Fireworks will take place at 8:30 p.m.
- Benton Juneteenth | June 17, 2023: This event lasts from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and is hosted at Ralph Bunche Park.
- Laugh It Up Comedy Show | June 15, 2023: Comedy show featuring Jessie McDonald, hosted by Brandon Medlock at the Railyard. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m.
- Juneteenth in Jonesboro | June 15, 2023 - June 19, 2023: This year's theme is "Honoring the Past, Building on the Promise of Freedom." Festivities kick off on Thursday evening with a parade scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday and a community fair that evening from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
- Russellville Juneteenth | June 16, 2023 - June 17, 2023: Little Rock trumpeter Rodney Black & The Love Supreme Band is hosting a free family-friendly celebration on June 16 in downtown Russellville from 6 - 9 p.m. An all-you-can-eat crawfish boil will wrap up festivities on June 17 from 6 - 10 p.m.
- 2023 Juneteenth Homecoming | June 16, 2023 - June 17, 2023: This event in Rison starts with a Juneteenth dinner at the Morgan-Hall Veterans Building on Friday at 7 p.m. Festivities at Powell Park begin at 1 p.m. on June 17 with musical guest blues singer Guitar Johnny.
- Little Rock Zoo's Juneteenth Celebration | June 19, 2023: The zoo will be hosting a Juneteenth celebration, and will over a $2 discount on admission. Zoo hours are from 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
- Juneteenth Food Giveaway | June 19, 2023: The Jacksonville Community Center is hosting a food giveaway while supplies last from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Pine Bluff Juneteenth Celebration | June 17, 2023: A celebration will be held at the Pine Bluff Convention Center from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and it will include storytelling, food trucks, music, dancing, and more.
- Honoring Juneteenth Freedom Day celebration | June 17, 2023: The Carver Alumni Association is hosting a celebration at Lonoke City Park between 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. that will include a DJ, food trucks, and vendors.