The National Civil Rights Museum is honoring the Juneteenth holiday on June 19 with a special Community Day. The event offers free museum admission, health services, and engaging educational activities for families. This annual celebration commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans while promoting wellness, education, and community empowerment.
Juneteenth and Its Historic Significance
Juneteenth, observed on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when Union soldier Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with 6,000 Black American troops. He informed enslaved Texans that the Civil War had ended, and they were finally free—two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
This day represents freedom for many African Americans who were denied their rights for years after the Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863.
Expanding Health and Community Resources
This year’s Juneteenth Community Day builds upon last year’s success, expanding the event with a variety of health services provided by valued community partners such as Vitalant, Sickle Cell Foundation, Baptist Health Sciences University, and Baptist Memorial Health Care. These services will include:
Blood pressure screenings
Diabetes risk factor screenings and education
Resource connections with community healthcare workers
Osteopathic medicine demonstrations
“We are proud to continue this tradition of honoring Juneteenth with opportunities that educate, heal, and uplift our community,” said Veda Ajamu, Chief Officer of Engagement at the National Civil Rights Museum. “By combining history with health and education, we create a meaningful experience that supports the whole family.”
Family-Focused Activities and Entertainment
Juneteenth Community Day will also feature a variety of family-friendly activities, including:
Food trucks offering diverse food options
Activities and games for children and families
A DJ and entertainment
Live radio remotes and recorded messages about the importance of Juneteenth
This dynamic celebration ensures that visitors of all ages can participate in learning and reflecting on the ongoing journey toward equality and justice.
Free Admission and Event Details
Admission to the National Civil Rights Museum will be free from 9 AM to 6 PM on a first-come basis. The event is made possible by the generous support of Ford Philanthropy, Caesars Entertainment/Horseshoe Tunica, Home Depot, Downtown Memphis Commission, Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, and the Memphis Grizzlies.
For more information about Juneteenth Community Day and the National Civil Rights Museum, visit civilrightsmuseum.org.
About the National Civil Rights Museum
The National Civil Rights Museum, located at the historic Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, offers a comprehensive overview of the American Civil Rights Movement from slavery to the present. Since its opening in 1991, millions of visitors from across the globe have visited the museum, including thousands of students.
The museum honors Dr. King’s legacy and chronicles the ongoing struggle for human rights, serving as a catalyst for social change. A Smithsonian Affiliate and internationally acclaimed institution, the museum received the 2019 National Medal Award, the highest honor for museums and libraries in the United States.
Leave a Reply