Friday, June 19, marks Day 1 of the Wawa Welcome America Festivities.
Friday’s events include free admission to the African American Museum in Philadelphia, the Juneteenth Jubilee and more. Read more information on the Juneteenth celebrations below:
Free Museum Days: African American Museum in Philadelphia
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
About: The African American Museum in Philadelphia Access is currently offering special exhibitions for America 250, including “Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia (1776 – 1876)” and special exhibition “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design.” Guests are also invited to step outside and attend the free Juneteenth Block Party, featuring music, local vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Juneteenth Jubilee
When: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
About: The African American Museum in Philadelphia is celebrating 50 years! There will be headlining performances by DJ Jazzy Jeff, Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh & Leah Jenea, and Patty Jackson, and additional performances by the Marian Anderson Choir, West Powelton Steppers, and more. Step into the new Jazz Tunnel, featuring a 15-piece jazz band, or cool down in shaded seating areas eating food from a collection of food trucks. The PECO Kids Zone will have plenty of activities for families, including arcade games, a rock wall, and other outdoor games.
Guests are encouraged to get tickets ahead of the event, admission and seating will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Free Movie Days
When: Mannequin (1987) at 9:30 p.m., Rustin (2013) at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: Philadelphia Film Center, 1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102
About: The Philadelphia Film Society is offering two-weeks of free movie screenings by and about Philadelphia. All films will be showing at the Main Screen at the Center.
Reserve tickets ahead via http://www.filmadelphia.org/.
Juneteenth Evening Conversation
When: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Independence Mall, 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
About: Listen to a powerful Juneteenth conversation with Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones on Independence Mall. There will be a discussion on the legacy of freedom and democracy, as well as the continued pursuit of racial justice in America.
Movies on the Mall: Harriet
When: 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Independence Mall, 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
About: Immediately following the Juneteenth Evening Conversation with Nikole Hannah-Jones, the Independence Visitor Center is hosting a free screening of the 2019 film Harriet featuring Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., and Janelle Monáe.
*Bring your own blankets and chairs to sit on the Mall’s lawn.