Arts Agenda: Juneteenth

Each week, ArtsATL delivers a critic’s short list of the shows, exhibitions, concerts and events we recommend for the coming weeks within one discipline or venue type in the kaleidoscope of Atlanta arts and culture. This week, we’re focused on Juneteenth, the annual commemoration of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. These are just a few of the many events taking place, but there are also celebrations at the Atlanta History Center, in College Park and in Stonecrest, among others. Check your city’s official website for local celebrations.

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Juneteenth Atlanta

In Atlanta, the biggest event takes place June 19 through June 21 at Piedmont Park, with a parade, live performances and other cultural activities. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on June 20 near the King Center and will travel down Boulevard and Monroe Drive to Piedmont Park. This year’s event honors the late Juneteenth Atlanta executive board member and Oscar-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr.

Georgia Shorts Film Festival

The Cinema Life Film Festival Collective, a grassroots, all-women-led indie festival platform, presents the Georgia Shorts Film Festival from June 19 through June 21. On opening night, the Festival will honor Juneteenth, launching with a celebration of Black cinema, bold storytelling and emerging filmmakers of color. With 84 short films officially selected, all screenings will take place at 7 stages in Little Five Points.

Juneteenth at the Center

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights presents a day of events honoring freedom, community and the ongoing pursuit of justice. From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on June 19, A Juneteenth Celebration invites visitors to explore exhibitions and participate in family-friendly activities, crafts and story sessions centered on the history and meaning of Juneteenth. Storytime Sessions take place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. There will be a performance by Giwayen Mata honoring African and African American traditions through music and movement at noon, and Slice of History happens from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring interactive learning, food and community hosted at the Center in partnership with the National Women’s History Museum.   

ALT3R: Black Like That

Star Bar presents a historic Juneteenth celebration featuring an all-Black cast of entertainers from around the state, including Kolor The Rapper, Yutoya Avaze Leon, Minty, Naja Iman Supreme, Canzara SZN, Valtorin Dynasty, Milk Marie and Lenni Savage. See it at 9 p.m. on June 17.

Juneteenth Field Day

The 5th annual Field Day takes place at Adair Park from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on June 19, with games, live music and more.

Rooted in Joy

Enjoy an afternoon of garden-inspired cocktails, a community cookout, local small business vendors, lawn games and music surrounded by the beauty of the garden at A Sip of Paradise Garden in East Atlanta. The event honors the spirit of Juneteenth while supporting a space dedicated to growth, education and community impact from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on June 19.

High Museum of Art’s Juneteenth Celebration

Explore the galleries, create art and enjoy music and performances that celebrate the spirit of Juneteenth: self-determination, community and joy. Separate tickets are required for Amy Sherald: American Sublime. The event takes place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. June 19, followed by Friday Jazz from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Juneteenth at Finally, Friday

Celebrate Juneteenth at Oakland Cemetery’s monthly Finally, Friday on June 19 with an immersive tour highlighting Black Atlantans buried at Oakland (tickets required) or enjoy a free screening of Maynard, a documentary about Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first African American. Plus, enjoy food trucks and hands-on activities for kids celebrating Black history, freedom and equality.

Remembering Freedom: Recalling the Praise House as a Drum

Anchored by a drum and dance procession by Giwayen Mata, this event at South-View Cemetery begins with a historic tour at 4 p.m. on June 19 and ends with an illumination of the Praise House at 7 p.m. There’s also an evening performance by vocalist Julie Dexter at the New Freedom studio (1884 Jonesboro Road SE). The celebration will honor the African American history of Atlanta and the more than 80,000 ancestors who rest at South-View.

The Sandy Springs Juneteenth Celebration

This community-wide event honoring the legacy, culture and contributions of African Americans will feature a vibrant mix of educational experiences, live performances and immersive art exhibitions in honor of Juneteenth. It takes place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 19 at the City Springs District.