Centre County is celebrating Juneteenth with art, music & more. Here are all the events
Last year, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution to make Juneteenth as the 12th federal holiday, with many companies following suit.
Long celebrated by the Black community, Juneteenth marked the final end of slavery in the U.S. Despite President Lincoln signing the emancipation proclamation in 1863, it was not enforced until the end of the Civil War. June 19 was when the Union troops entered Galveston, Texas, and informed the last enslaved Americans of their freedom, two years after the proclamation.
In honor of the holiday, community groups and leaders around Centre County have announced several events in the week leading up to the holiday.
Juneteenth Liberation Week
June 13-18
Community members Tierra Williams and Latisha Franklin have planned a week of events leading up to Juneteenth as part of Black 2 Reality. Starting June 13 with stories about the history of Juneteenth at Schlow Centre Region Library, the weeklong schedule includes high tea, trivia and a step show. The week of events will culminate with a black tie soiree, complete with a three course meal, music and community awards.
Contributors to the event include the Bellefonte Art Museum, The State Theatre, Schlow Centre Region Library, the 3/20 Coalition and more. A full list of events and tickets can be found online.
June 13 from 2:30-4:30 p.m.: “Education Liberation” at Schlow Centre Region Library
Children and adults will listen to stories about Juneteenth, learn about the Pan-African/Juneteenth Flag, stop by the Affirmation table, and write a letter to a living Freedom Fighter.
June 14 at 6 p.m.: “A Southern High Tea” at 3 Dots Downtown
Custom teas by Gratified Grad, paired with assorted delectable vegan treats made by Chakra’s Cafe. Visitors are invited to come dressed in “Southern Belle” or “Kentucky Derby” attire. Registration required in advance.
June 15 from 6-7:30 p.m.: “Juneteenth Trivia” at Webster’s Bookstore & Cafe
June 16 at 6:30 p.m.: “Step, Stomp & Stroll” at The State Theatre
Tickets will be sold in advance (thestatetheatre.org) and at the door for the fraternity/sorority competition.
June 17 at 3 p.m.: “Understanding the Underground” at Bellefonte Art Museum
Take a self-guided tour around historical sites in Bellefonte.
June 18 at 6:30 p.m.: “Juneteenth Southern Soirée” at The Graduate Hotel
The black-tie affair will feature a three course meal, music, entertainment and special awards given out to the community. Tickets are available for those 10 and older at https://linktr.ee/Black2Reality.
Reflections of Black Experiences; Voices of Freedom Through the Ages
June 17-18
The State College NAACP will host its third annual Juneteenth Celebration in the form of an art exhibition and block party on Fraser Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza in downtown State College.
The event will kick off on June 17 with an art exhibition curated by Penn State professor Grace Hampton at 7 p.m. at the Woskob Family Gallery. The art exhibit will feature works from local community members and $800 in prizes will be awarded.
The June 18 block party will be open from noon-6 p.m. with music, poetry and visual arts performances from Charles Dumas, Kikora Franklin, Ronnie Burrage, The Byrne Lovett Jazz Band, Eric Ian Farmer and more. Clothing, jewelry and food merchants will be present as well. The event is in collaboration with the Center for Performing Arts, the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Institute for Development and the State College Borough.
Other ways to celebrate Juneteenth
- The Palmer Museum of Art is offering a self-guided tour that celebrates Black artists whose work is currently on view in the galleries. Visitors can pick up a printed tour guide at the museum’s visitor services desk and visit the Palmer’s website for more information.
- Watch a screening of the film “Juneteenth: 1865-2021” at 1 p.m. June 17 online, hosted by Penn State Outreach and Online Education. Registration is required.
This story was originally published June 7, 2022 at 11:21 AM.