Juneteenth is celebrated annually on June 19th and marks the end of slavery in the United States. On Januaray 1st, 1863 all slaves were declared free by the Emancipation Proclamation unfortunately the news took nearly two years to reach some southern states. It has been documented that Major General Gordon Granger read a decree to the citizens of Galveston, Texas which explained that slaves were free. Texas was the fist state to celebrate Juneteenth and hosts some of the largest Juneteenth celebrations to this day in the United States.
Juneteenth is part of American history and should be celebrated across the United States by all walks of life. On June 17, 2021 President Joe Biden officially made Juneteenth a national holiday.
Here are ten ways your family can celebrate this important holiday across Tampa Bay.
Celebrating Juneteenth in Tampa Bay
Visit Museums
Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete
Exlpore the “From Margins to Mainstays” exhibit that features masterworks of artist whos careers and personal lives were devalued due to their gender, race, sexuality or nationality. This exhibit runs through September 26, 2021.
Address: 255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum
Learn important facts and history of the African American experience in the United States and discover amazing men and women who shaped this country.
Address: 2240 Ninth Ave. South, Saint Pete, FL 33712
Best Richardson African Diaspora Literature & Culture Musuem
Take a guided tour and learn facts about African American history and culture. This location is also a bookstore. Find great resources to share with family and friends through their vast catelouge of books.
Address: 1463 Tampa Park Plaza St. Unit A, Tampa, FL 33605
Buy Black
Shop at African Extravaganza
Support black owned businesses in the Tampa Bay community by purchasing beautiful African and African inspired garments and artifacts for your home or busniess. Be sure to get your children involved and let them pick out an outfit that inspires them.
Address: 1405 Tampa Park Plaza St., Tampa, FL 33605
Purchase books instore or online at Cultured Books
Cultured books is one of the few black owned boostores in the Tampa Bay commnity. Representation matters and this bookstore is a place where people can learn the history and also the joy of people culture, and practices other than their own.
Address: 833 22nd St. S., St. Pete, FL 33712
Make a $19 Juneteenth donation in support of Mahogany Kids Fine Arts Foundation
The Mahogany Kids Fine Arts Foundation seeks to empower minority youth through music, art and dance in Tampa Bay. Founder, Kiva Williams, is a graduate of the University of South Florida’s Performing Arts program with a degree in Dance Studies. Three ways to donate:
Check: Mail funds to 1936 Bruce B Downs Blvd Unit #327, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
Cashapp: $MahoganyKidsFineArts
Paypayl: mahoganykidsfineartsfoundation@gmail.com
Book a Cultural Art Paint Party
Support black artist and creators by booking a kids or adult friendly paint party with Uniquely Original Art Studio. Artist Catherine weaver can come to you or you can book a party at her studio. Contact her via phone at (727) 239-3696. Or by email at uniquelyoriginalarts@yahoo.com
Address: 915-24th St. South, Saint Pete, FL 33712
Take pictures at Murals
Visit the Tampa or St. Pete Black Lives Matter Murals
Learn about the Black Lives Matter movement and why this battle cry in the African American community came about.
Tampa location: Intersection of Cass Street and Jefferson Street in downtown Tampa
St. Pete location: In front of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Musuem
Eats
Host a Family Picnic at Perry Harvey Sr. Park
There’s a park in downtown Tampa honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Perry Harvey Sr. and other influential African American figures. Their contribution to the thriving black owned businesses in Tampa is a cause for celebration. This is the perfect location to host a family picnic and learn about African American history.
Eat Barbecue from a Black owned Business
There are a lot of ways to celebrate Juneteenth, including enjoying barbecue and hosting family gatherings to celebrate freedom. All of the traditions began in Texas and when African American’s left that state they took their traditions with them to states like Oklahoma, Arkansas, Lousiana, California and Florida.
Enjoy barbecue from Better Way BBQ
Address: 22 South Food Hall 642 22nd St. South, Saint Pete, FL 33712
Leave a Reply