Happy Juneteenth! June 19th is the day we celebrate the ending of slavery in the United States. Even though the the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1st, 1863, the news did not reach the last group of enslaved Black people in the southern U.S. until two years later. Every year, we observe Juneteenth on June 19 to memorialize that specific day in Galveston in 1865 that the last group of enslaved people learned of their freedom. Juneteenth is both a celebration of Black independence and a reminder of America’s painful foundation. Here are 5 events to attend in NYC to celebrate and commemorate Juneteenth. And if you are not Black and have the day off, please consider donating your paid time to the organizations producing these events, and/or check out this list of charities to support today.
Black and Queer: A Juneteenth Concert
June 19, 7 pm, Christ Church, 524 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065
Tonight, at 7 pm at Christ Church, the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus will be performing a concert celebrating the intersectionality of being Black and queer. With the full chorus providing a powerful backdrop, soloists from Black NYCGMC will share their personal stories, solos, and favorite songs, reflecting on what Juneteenth means to them. The concert is free, but when you register for the event, you have the opportunity to make a donation.
Juneteenth Game: NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. San Diego Wave FC
June 19, 7 pm, Red Bull Arena, 600 Cape May St, Harrison, NJ 07029
Tonight at 7 pm, Gotham FC will host a commemorative celebration of this national holiday. The club, in collaboration with the National Women’s Soccer League and the Black Women’s Player Collective, will spotlight Black culture through special highlights and featured elements.
June 19, 7 pm, Under St. Mark’s Theater, 94 St. Marks Place New York, NY 10009
RADICAL: BLACK QUEER PLEASURE is a Juneteenth celebration showcasing all Black queer burlesque artists performing their most pleasurable acts. These performances, filled with smiles, laughter, moans, and shouts, will bring audiences to their knees, leaving them flabbergasted, bewildered, sweating, and begging for more. Expect to see performers at their most embodied, exploring what it truly means to feel good. Everyone is invited to join us in this celebration of pleasure. This production is supported in part by Indie Space’s Pay Your People Grant and is part of FRIGID New York’s 2024 Queerly Festival, FRIGID’s annual celebration of artistic and LGBTQIA2S+ expression.
Queer Continuum: Archival, Avant-Garde and Beyond
June 7-27th, 5-7 pm, Brookyn Art Haus, 24 Marcy Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211
For Pride Month 2024, Brooklyn Art Haus (BAH) proudly presents the exhibition Queer Continuum: Archival, Avant-Garde and Beyond. This exhibition, curated by Jules Diaz Petta in collaboration with emerging curator Nikki Myers, showcases photography by queer individuals from diverse backgrounds. The aim is to highlight the history and evolution of queer joy and resilience, along with imagined depictions of LGBTQ+ futures.
June 22, 2-10 pm, Club Lambda, 1031 Grand Street. Brooklyn, NY 11211
Experience a unique party that showcases some of New York City’s most diverse party vibes. Dance the day away with music from a mix of beloved DJs and performers at one of Brooklyn’s most inclusive venues. This event offers participants the chance to enjoy TWO queer party experiences in one day, both of which center on BIPOC individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community and provide safe spaces year-round.
