Commemorating the 157th Anniversary of Juneteenth
At Citizens, we celebrate, honor, and reflect on the gravity of Juneteenth also known as “Freedom Day”. African Americans have celebrated the commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States since the late 1800’s. The historical legacy of Juneteenth has always been important and today, it also highlights education and the many achievements of African Americans.
Last year, we witnessed an important moment in history when President Biden signed legislation to recognize Juneteenth as the 11th federal holiday recognized in the U.S., and the first to be added since Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in 1983. Not only does it mark a step forward for our country, but it signifies an important sense of unity as we all share in the commemoration of that historic day.
In honor of Juneteenth, we will observe Monday, June 20, 2022 as an official bank holiday and will sponsor meaningful community events and celebrations with our nonprofit partners in Boston, Buffalo, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh.
By working toward a world where everyone is seen, heard and respected, we are helping those we serve be ready for the best possible tomorrow.
Poetry Unplugged – Juneteenth Celebration
August Wilson African American Cultural Center
June 15, 2022 - 7:30 p.m.
Citizens is once again sponsoring Poetry Unplugged (PU), a night of spoken word and music featuring artists from around the country. The event usually is held on MLK weekend and would use his life and work as inspiration. For the first time since its creation, PU will redirect its focus to that of Juneteenth, which celebrates the freedom of enslaved African Americans in the United States at the end of the Civil War. This year, the August Wilson will be contributing to the recognition of this important time with a special PU program hosted by award-winning Mahogany and will include special appearances by Jessica Care Moore, Jessica Lanay, Vanessa German and others.
For more information, visit: https://awc.culturaldistrict.org/production/78959/poetry-unplugged-a-juneteenth-celebration
Event Location
August Wilson Cultural Center
980 Liberty Ave
Pittsburgh, PA
Juneteenth Festival, Inc.
June 18, 2022 - 11 a.m.
The Buffalo Juneteenth Festival, which started in 1976, is claimed to be the largest Juneteenth celebration in the nation. It honors culture, community, family and food with more than 150 vendors from across the nation and globe. The Juneteenth Festival's parade route is a 1-mile journey which includes participants from diverse ethnicities, cultures, and careers, who share in the celebration of freedom that the festival represents.
The Arts & Culture stage, sponsored by Citizens, is where the rich and vibrant history of the African heritage is honored. Throughout the 2-day event, there will be live music, movement and dramatic presentations that raise awareness and attracts all who visit, from artists to educators and entertainers, elected officials to vendors and visitors from all over the world, to experience the rich and vibrant history of African Americans.
For more information, visit: https://www.buffalojuneteenth.com/
Event Location
Martin Luther King, Jr. Park
98 Martin Luther King Park
Buffalo, NY
Cleveland Juneteenth Freedom Fest
Karamu House
June 18, 2022 - 12 – 10 p.m.
Citizens is a sponsor of the Cleveland Juneteenth Freedom Fest, which aims to educate, celebrate and activate participants around the history of African American culture. The free, family-friendly event will spotlight the rich history and spirit of Cleveland’s African American arts and culture. The celebration and commemoration of Juneteenth will feature a mainstage performance by Karamu House, the country’s oldest Black producing theatre and a fireworks finale. Festivities will also include a vendor village to spotlight Black businesses and entrepreneurs; community programming and education, spoken-word performances, interactive art demonstrations, food trucks, and beverage concessions.
For more information, visit: https://juneteenthcle.com/
Event Location
Mall C - Downtown Cleveland
Cleveland, OH
Juneteenth Block Party: Celebrating the Legacy of Emancipation
African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP)
June 19, 2022 - 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Citizens is sponsoring the African American Museum in Philadelphia’s Juneteenth Block Party to celebrate the history, culture, and legacy of Juneteenth. AAMP will host a day-long, family-friendly outdoor festival that features a rich lineup of the region's best and brightest creative luminaries. Guests will enjoy live performances from international and local artists, a community marketplace featuring Black-owned businesses, vendors, community partners as well as food trucks, hands-on activities including art-making, line dancing and more! There will be an opportunity for free admission to the Museum with online registration.
For more information, visit: https://tockify.com/aampmuseum/detail/522/1655650800000
Event Location
African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA
Juneteenth
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
June 20, 2022 - 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Courtesy of Citizens, admission to the Museum of Fine Arts — including access to “Turner’s Modern World” and other special exhibitions — is free for all Massachusetts residents on June 20 in honor of Juneteenth.
Join for performances curated by SIDE Presents and art making and hear talks in our latest exhibition “Touching Roots: Black Ancestral Legacies in the Americas”. This exhibition traces narratives of Blackness across the Atlantic world by bringing together work from artists, many from New England, who absorbed and reinterpreted African artistic practices, sacred customs and cultural expressions.
This free event will feature a photobooth, art-making activities and outdoor recreation, including an ice cream truck.
For more information, visit: https://www.mfa.org/event/open-house/juneteenth?event=3253
Event Location
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
465 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA