Appreciating and Understanding Juneteenth Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, although it has been celebrated by Black Americans for more than 150 years. While it celebrates a joyous occasion — the freeing of the last people legally enslaved in the U.S. — that joy is tempered by the realization that the event came a full two and half years after The Emancipation Proclamation. While many Black people have long associated June 19 with family and community celebrations, many other Americans are still learning what the day means. Brands have attempted to embrace it, or capitalize on it, depending on your perspective, with some failing miserably. Whoever you are, and whatever your background, you can acknowledge and appreciate Juneteenth — keeping in mind that it’s critical to understand its history and significance. Cities across the country host a wide range of Juneteenth events for all ages, so we’ve rounded up a few suggestions in the cities TrendyMinds calls home: Indianapolis, the Tampa/St. Petersburg area, and San Antonio. Remember, you can support Black communities all year round by visiting Black-owned businesses, reading and watching the work of Black artists, creating equitable work environments if you own a business, and listening to Black voices, especially if you’re marketing a brand or a product. Juneteenth Indianapolis Events Juneteenth Foodways Festival June 17, 4 pm - 8 pm Billed as an “interactive food experience,” the festival celebrates Black chef Dolly Johnson, who worked at the White House during the Harrison administration. It includes offerings from numerous Indianapolis restaurants and is sponsored by the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation. Indy Juneteenth June 18, noon - 6 pm This celebration at White River Park includes a parade, games for children, live music, food trucks, DJs, and more. Juneteenth Jamboree June 19, 10 am - 3 pm The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis will host special Juneteenth activities and performances, included with museum admission. Juneteenth Tampa/St. Pete Events Tampa Bay Juneteenth Festival June 18, 3 pm - 9 pm Raymond James Stadium is the site of this block party featuring DJs, food trucks, retailers, and a free health clinic. AfroCan Fest June 19, 2:30 pm - 6:30 pm Billed as a “stylish and contemporary celebration of Black excellence,” this annual party encourages guests to dress in pink and yellow. WMNF Juneteenth Celebration with Soul Caravan June 18, 7 pm Public radio station WMNF hosts an evening of music and local spoken word poets at The Palladium in St. Petersburg. Juneteenth Glow in the Dark Cooler Fete June 18, 6 pm - 12 am A night of music and dancing in the THAP courtyard in Ybor City. Juneteenth San Antonio Events Juneteenth San Antonio Festival June 17-19, 11 am - 11 pm This free festival includes a health fair, children’s activities, a fish fry, live music, and more. Juneteenth Family Festival June 18, 8 am - 10 pm Starting with a 5K walk/run at 8 am, the fellowship continues all day with a carnival, singles symposium, food trucks, rides, and live music. Juneteenth Night Baseball Fundraiser June 18, 7 pm Watch the San Antonio Missions take on the Amarillo Sod Poodles at Nelson Wolff Stadium. Enjoy a meet-and-greet with South Texas Negro League players, fireworks, and a buffet, all in support of the Texas Kidney Foundation and San Antonio African American Community Archive Museum.