By HWM
Harlem leaders, community organizations and residents are preparing to mark Juneteenth 2026 with a series of celebrations honoring Black history, resilience and freedom, led by New York State Senator Cordell Cleare, and longtime community partners.
The festivities begin on June 19, with a Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony outside the historic Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building Plaza on West 125th Street. The annual event commemorates Juneteenth, the federal holiday recognizing the end of slavery in the United States and the oldest known celebration of emancipation.
Never miss new stories in Harlem
Senator Cleare will be joined by members of the Juneteenth Committee of Masjid Malcolm Shabazz, elected officials, faith leaders and community stakeholders. Invited guests include Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, State Senator Robert Jackson, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Comptroller Mark Levine, District Attorney Alvin Bragg, City Councilmember Yusef Salaam, and others.
The celebration will continue on June 20, with the annual Juneteenth Breakfast at Masjid Malcolm Shabazz in Harlem. The gathering will bring together elected officials, community members and special honorees for a morning dedicated to reflection, recognition and fellowship.
Several notable individuals will be honored during the breakfast with proclamations and certificates for their contributions to the community. This year’s honorees include financial educator Ash Cash Exantus, music video pioneer Ralph McDaniels, community advocate Reggie Mitchell, Khadiatou Terri Duncan Jones Wisdom, fashion icon Dapper Dan, community leader Loretta Alston, Polo Green, and Dr. Princess Jenkins.
Following the breakfast, participants will take part in the 33rd Annual Juneteenth Parade and Street Fair, one of Harlem’s most anticipated cultural events. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. on 116th Street between Malcolm X Boulevard and Fifth Avenue and is scheduled to continue through 6 p.m., featuring community organizations, unions, cultural groups and local residents.
Senator Cleare said the annual celebration serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving Black history and culture.
“I am exceedingly proud of the work my Harlem community does yearly for Juneteenth,” Cleare said in a press statement. “We must be intentional about preserving and delivering our history and culture. We must protect our legacy and narrative while honoring the resilience, dignity and bravery of those who endured slavery and fought for freedom.”
File Photo
Latest Posts:
Become a Harlem Insider!
From history to today’s headlines—everything Harlem, in your inbox.
By signing up, you’re agreeing to receive communications from Harlem World Magazine and our Privay Policy.