The city of Albuquerque will commemorate Juneteenth with two days of free public events celebrating Black history, culture and community through music, art, storytelling, poetry and family activities.Organized by the city’s Office of Equity and Inclusion in partnership with the Albuquerque Museum and community organizations, the celebrations will take place Thursday, June 18, at the Albuquerque Museum and Friday, June 19, at Civic Plaza and the Albuquerque Convention Center.Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned they had been freed more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.The festivities begin Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The program will feature poetry and performances by Hakeem Bellamy and Trey Pickett, a Juneteenth reflection from Pickett, live music, storytelling experiences, hands-on art activities and a marketplace showcasing Black-owned businesses.Museum visitors will also have the opportunity to explore exhibits connected to themes from “The Other Route 66” and preview “The Woods Before Sunrise: Environment and Place in New Mexico’s Black Contemporary.” Organizers say the evening is designed to encourage reflection on community, identity and the future.The celebration continues Friday with what organizers describe as New Mexico’s largest Juneteenth gathering. Held at Civic Plaza and the Albuquerque Convention Center, the event will center on this year’s theme, “From Freedom to Prosperity.”The family-focused celebration will feature live entertainment, food vendors, community resources and a marketplace highlighting Black-owned businesses. Additional attractions include a children’s activity area developed in partnership with Explora, a roller-skating rink, miniature golf, arcade games and other interactive activities.A free 3-on-3 basketball tournament hosted by former NBA player Kenny Thomas and Zia Sports is also planned, providing opportunities for youth mentorship, recreation and athletic development. Both Juneteenth events are free and open to the public.
The city of Albuquerque will commemorate Juneteenth with two days of free public events celebrating Black history, culture and community through music, art, storytelling, poetry and family activities.
Organized by the city’s Office of Equity and Inclusion in partnership with the Albuquerque Museum and community organizations, the celebrations will take place Thursday, June 18, at the Albuquerque Museum and Friday, June 19, at Civic Plaza and the Albuquerque Convention Center.
Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned they had been freed more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.
The festivities begin Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The program will feature poetry and performances by Hakeem Bellamy and Trey Pickett, a Juneteenth reflection from Pickett, live music, storytelling experiences, hands-on art activities and a marketplace showcasing Black-owned businesses.
Museum visitors will also have the opportunity to explore exhibits connected to themes from “The Other Route 66” and preview “The Woods Before Sunrise: Environment and Place in New Mexico’s Black Contemporary.” Organizers say the evening is designed to encourage reflection on community, identity and the future.
The celebration continues Friday with what organizers describe as New Mexico’s largest Juneteenth gathering. Held at Civic Plaza and the Albuquerque Convention Center, the event will center on this year’s theme, “From Freedom to Prosperity.”
The family-focused celebration will feature live entertainment, food vendors, community resources and a marketplace highlighting Black-owned businesses. Additional attractions include a children’s activity area developed in partnership with Explora, a roller-skating rink, miniature golf, arcade games and other interactive activities.
A free 3-on-3 basketball tournament hosted by former NBA player Kenny Thomas and Zia Sports is also planned, providing opportunities for youth mentorship, recreation and athletic development.
Both Juneteenth events are free and open to the public.
