June 19, 1865, known as Juneteenth, represents the emancipation of the last of those enslaved in the United States. Although slavery was abolished in 1863, there were over 250,000 Black Americans still enslaved in Texas, the final state to abolish slavery officially. A week from now, we will celebrate the 156th anniversary of the emancipation of Black Americans from slavery in the United States and recognize the need for continuous systemic change. Together residents of Indianapolis will strive for a more just, equitable, equal, and inclusive future for all Hoosiers.
We encourage all City-County employees to celebrate Juneteenth. We have provided an extensive list of celebrations being held throughout the city.
“The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression.”
- W.E. B. DuBois
| For the first time this year, the City-County enterprise will recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday. Each year, June 19 provides an opportunity for reflection, recognition, and celebration about one of the most pivotal moments in our nation’s history—the release of slavery’s final chain.
The 156 years since that day have been a story of progress and of pain, of resilience and of repression. For when we look at America’s past, we can see we have come far. But when we look at the inequity that remains, we can see we have far yet to go.
- Joe Hogsett
Mayor
|
“Until we are all free, we are none of us free.” Emma Lazarus, 1833
These words, written over a century ago, potently express the importance of Juneteenth as an official City-County holiday. While July 4 is recognized as a celebration of American freedom, June 19, 1865, marks the day that all Americans were recognized as “free.” The significance of Juneteenth is the recognition that freedom is the right of all people, regardless of their color, and affirms that the history of people of color must never be a footnote in the history of our country.
- Vop Osili
Council President
|
EVENTS
Events are listed in chronological order, contact organizers for additional information
Thursday, June 17
History Happy Hour: Juneteenth — The Evolution of a Holiday
5:30 – 6:30 PM | Virtual Event
Hosted by Indiana Historical Society
REGISTRATION
RESPONSE: Images and Sounds of a Movement
On display June 5 – September 6 | Indiana State Museum |650 W Washington St.
Presented by Indiana State Museum
LEARN MORE
Friday, June 18
Consolidated City and County Juneteenth Holiday (Observed)
Official Launch of the Martin University’s National Center for Racial Equity and Inclusion
5 – 7:30 PM | Martin University Gathertorium | 2186 N Sherman Dr.
Hosted by Martin University & National Center for Racial Equity and Inclusion
LEARN MORE
The Center for Black Literature & Culture Book Fest 2021 & Juneteenth Celebration
6 – 8 PM | Virtual Event
Hosted by Indianapolis Public Library’s Center for Black Literature & Culture
REGISTRATION
The Source: Juneteenth Photography Showcase
6 – 9 PM | 6821 N College Ave.
Hosted by Pattern
LEARN MORE
SleepyNap Vibes: Juneteenth Weekend
Performances: 7 PM & 10 PM | The Jazz Kitchen | 5377 N College Ave.
TICKETS
Juneteenth Walk/Run Virtual 5K (SOLD OUT)
Virtual Event
Hosted by Butter Cree’m
LEARN MORE
RESPONSE: Images and Sounds of a Movement
On display June 5 – September 6 | Indiana State Museum |650 W Washington St.
Presented by Indiana State Museum
LEARN MORE
Saturday, June 19
Juneteenth
Virtual Juneteenth Celebration: Freedom & Liberation
All Day | Virtual Event
Hosted by Eiteljorg Museum
FULL SCHEDULE
Juneteenth Jamboree
10 AM – 3 PM | Children’s Museum of Indianapolis | 3000 N Meridian St.
Hosted by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
LEARN MORE
Healthy Summer in Tarkington Park: Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
11 AM – 4 PM | Tarkington Park |45 W 40
th St.
Hosted by Midtown Indy
LEARN MORE
FBGNC Grand Re-Opening and Juneteenth Celebration11
AM – 5 PM | Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Community Center |2990 W 71
st St.
Hosted by Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center
LEARN MORE
2021 Indy Juneteenth Celebration
Noon – 6 PM | Riverside Park
(Near Shelter #5) |2420 E Riverside Dr.
Hosted by Indy Juneteenth
LEARN MORE
Juneteenth Tribute at Independent Music + Art Festival (IMAF) 2021
Noon – 8 PM | Harrison Art Center
| 1505 N Delaware
Presented by the Harrison Art Center with the INDIEana Handicraft Exchange
LEARN MORE
Juneteenth Roll Out Skate Fête
2 – 5 PM | Circle City Industrial Complex
(Large Parking Lot) |1125 E Brookside Ave.
Powered by ROKH, Deckademics, BlackSpace Indianapolis
LEARN MORE
Cleo’s Bodega & Café Anniversary & Ujamaa Community Bookstore’s Grand Opening
2 – 5 PM | Cleo’s Bodega & Café/Ujamaa Community Store
| 2432 Doctor M.L.K. Jr. St.
Hosted by Flanner House
LEARN MORE
Juneteenth Jubilee
4 – 9 PM | Fort Ben Cultural Campus
| 8920 Otis Ave. Lawrence, IN
Presented by Arts for Lawrence
LEARN MORE
Juneteenth Social
5 – 8 PM | The Cyrus Place
| 237 N East St.
Presented by The Glow Up Projects, Inc.
LEARN MORE
VOICES Juneteenth Celebration
5 – 9:30 PM | VOICES Corp.
| 1415 Shelby St.
Hosted by VOICES
LEARN MORE
Indy Night Market
6 – 10 PM | The Pavilion at Pan Am| 201 S Capitol Ave.
Hosted by Growing Places Indy and Be Nimble Co.
LEARN MORE
SleepyNap Vibes: Juneteenth Weekend
Performances: 7 PM & 10 PM | The Jazz Kitchen | 5377 N College Ave.
TICKETS
RESPONSE: Images and Sounds of a Movement
On display June 5 – September 6 | Indiana State Museum |650 W Washington St.
Presented by Indiana State Museum
LEARN MORE