Appreciating and Understanding Juneteenth Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, although Black Americans have celebrated it for over 150 years. While it marks 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 two and a 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 this day means. Brands have attempted to embrace 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 — remember that it’s critical to understand its history and significance. Cities across the country host various Juneteenth events for all ages. So, we’ve rounded up a few suggestions in the cities TrendyMinds calls home: Indianapolis, Tampa/Saint 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 16, 3:30 pm – 8 pm Billed as an “interactive food experience,” this 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. 6th Annual Indy Juneteenth Festival June 17, 10 am – 6 pm This festival celebration at White River Park includes a parade, games for children, live music, food trucks, DJs, and more. Juneteenth and Jazz Community Celebration June 17, 11 am – 4 pm The Eiteljorg Museum is hosting a free day in honor of Juneteenth with performances, activities, food, and more. Juneteenth Tampa/St. Pete Events Tampa Bay Area Juneteenth Festival June 17, 3 pm – 12 am Raymond James Stadium is the site of this block party featuring DJs, food trucks, retailers, and a jam-packed Kid’s Zone. AfroCan Fest June 18, 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm Billed as “the revolutionary summer-time celebration of Black Excellence and Culture,” this annual party encourages guests to dress in Afro-chic. Juneteenth St. Pete Freedom Fest June 17, 11 am – 3 pm At Tropicana Field, enjoy food trucks, vendors, a live concert, and more. Bring your tents and lawn chairs! Juneteenth San Antonio Events Juneteenth San Antonio Festival June 16 – 17, 11 am – 11 pm This free festival includes vendors, children’s activities, live music, and their annual Fish Fry Friday benefitting their local scholarship fund. Juneteenth Block Party June 17, 3 pm – 9 pm Hosted by Dream Big Scholarship Fund Inc., this family-friendly block party event includes local vendors and organizations to help raise awareness as well as performances, live music, DJs, and speakers. Freedom: A Gospel Celebration of Juneteenth June 19, 4 pm – 7:30 pm The San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM) is collaborating with the Gospel Haus and Museum to present stories of freedom and joy from San Antonio and Houston gospel music legends.