Brooklyn celebrated the federal holiday in style.
Friday, June 19, 2026, was Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day for African Americans. Brooklyn celebrated the federal holiday in a variety of ways, from attending food festivals, parades, cook-outs, to shopping at Black-owned businesses and attending music and dance performances.
On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth became an official state holiday in Texas through the efforts of African-American state legislator Al Edwards. Edwards successfully passed a bill granting state recognition to Juneteenth as an official holiday and emancipation celebration.
Today, Juneteenth is a time for reflection, rejoicing and self-improvement and planning for the future. Where were you to commemorate Juneteenth this year?
The 5th Annual Juneteenth Food Festival at the Weeksville Heritage Center on June 19, 2026. Photo: Andrew Karpan for BK Reader
The Juneteenth Food Festival at the Weeksville Heritage Center on June 19, 2026. . Photo: Andrew Karpan for BK Reader
Attendees at the Juneteenth Food Festival at the Weeksville Heritage Center on June 19, 2026. Photo: Andrew Karpan for BK Reader
A dance performance at We Outside! in Fort Greene on June 20, 2026. . Photo: Luke Maillefer for BK Reader
Attendees at We Outside! in Fort Greene on June 20, 2026. . Photo: Luke Maillefer for BK Reader
A band performs at We Outside! in Fort Greene on June 20, 2026. . Photo: Luke Maillefer for BK Reader