Juneteenth in New Orleans: Festivals, dinner and opera
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Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios. Photo: Underwood Archives, Kena Betancur, Mark Felix, Jon Cherry/Getty Images
New Orleans has several events this week in honor of Juneteenth, the federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S.
Why it matters: Juneteenth celebrations are growing amid a general backlash on civil rights and discussions on racism.
The big picture: This is the fourth year that Juneteenth has been a national holiday since President Biden signed legislation in 2021.
- It commemorates June 19, 1865 — the day Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, with words that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Lincoln more than two years before.
What they're saying: "Juneteenth is a reckoning and allows us to give the country another narrative," JerriAnne Boggis, executive director of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, told Axios.
- Boggis said it's also a time to remind the country of important allyships between white and Black Americans that helped to end enslavement.
- "That's part of the story," she said.
Some events ...
🎤 New Orleans Juneteenth Festival is Thursday from noon to 6pm at Congo Square in Armstrong Park. It's free. The second line kickoff is at noon.
🎨 "The Stories Of Us in New Orleans" has an opening ceremony at 9:30am Thursday in Armstrong Park. It's a public art exhibition that explores the contrast between America's founding ideas and its legacy of slavery.
- The sculptural drums will be on display until July 2.
🎉 Juneteenth Block Party is Thursday afternoon at Café Istanbul. It's a fundraiser for New Orleans for Community Oversight of Police. Tickets start at $5.
🍴 Dooky Chase's Restaurant is holding a special dinner Thursday in recognition of its recent James Beard America's Classics award.
🎩 Juneteenth Freedom Gala is Friday night at the Andre Callioux Center. Tarriona "Tank" Ball will be honored at the ticketed event.
🤩 Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration is Saturday at Peter S. Atkins Park in Covington. It's free.
🎶 OperaCréole presents "Songs of Victory" on Sunday at the New Marigny Theater.
Meanwhile, a documentary filmed in New Orleans premieres Thursday on Netflix.
- "A King Like Me" is a documentary about the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club.
- It examines the impact COVID had on the krewe — 16 deaths — and dives into how Black culture has shaped New Orleans and the nation, according to the film's description. Watch the trailer.
Other things to do: It's also Restaurant Week in New Orleans (Our guide).
- Check out Gambit's event calendar for more things to do.
Go deeper: Juneteenth celebration expands despite civil rights backlash
Editor's note: This story has been updated with an additional event.