Juneteenth — on Wednesday, June 19 — commemorates the day the abolition of slavery was enforced in the US, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
In Madison, there are various events taking place to celebrate the holiday:
Celebration in the Park | Saturday, June 15 | 12-6 p.m. | Penn Park, 2101 Fisher St. | Free | Celebrate Juneteenth through musical performances, poetry readings, and delicious soul food.
McFarland Juneteenth Celebration | Sunday, June 16 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Arnold Larson Park, 6002 Exchange St., McFarland | Free | Donations will go toward the McFarland High School’s Black Student Union at this celebration featuring educational speakers, family activities, and food.
Juneteenth Fundraiser | Tuesday, June 18-Wednesday, June 19 | 3-10 p.m. | Bierock, 2911 N. Sherman Ave. | Cost of purchase | 18th Street Brewery, a Black-owned brewery in Hammond, Indiana, will have two guest taps of which $1 from each sale will go to Madison’s Urban Triage.
Unveiling Juneteenth Tour | Wednesday, June 19 | 4-5 p.m. | Chazen Museum of Art, 750 University Ave. | Free | This guided tour (registration required) encourages reflection, conversation, and close examination of African American artworks.
Juneteenth S.O.U.L. Networking Mixer | Wednesday, June 19 | 5-7 p.m. | Olin Park Pavilion, 1156 Olin-Turville Court | Free | Black-owned business owners and their supporters can network with fellow entrepreneurs, sing karaoke, and enjoy food from House of Flavas.
Madison’s House of Flavas will be selling food at the networking mixer. | Photo by House of Flavas
“We’re The Color Purple” A Juneteenth Celebration of Female Black Excellence | Wednesday, June 19 | 7 p.m. | The Crucible, 3116 Commercial Ave. | $20-$50 | Enjoy a dazzling burlesque rendition of “The Color Purple.”
Juneteenth Marketplace | Tuesday, June 18 | 4-8 p.m. | Giant Jones Brewing Co., 931 E. Main St. | Cost of purchase | Shop local vendors and grab a bite from the DeVine Grilling food truck.