Juneteenth: A Historical Overview and Events in OKC
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. For Oklahoma City's African American community, Juneteenth is a significant occasion for reflecting on history, celebrating freedom, and promoting community unity.
Historical Context
Early Celebrations: After the Civil War, newly freed African Americans in Oklahoma began observing Juneteenth with community picnics, church services, and social activities, reflecting their newfound freedom and sense of community solidarity.
20th Century and Civil Rights Movement: Ralph Ellison, an Oklahoma native, explored themes of race, identity, and redemption in his novel "Juneteenth" (1999). The novel, compiled from over 2,000 pages of material Ellison wrote over 40 years, was edited by John F. Callahan.
Ellison’s novel delves into the complexities of African American life. He writes, “The celebration of Juneteenth was more than a commemoration of the past; it was a living reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom and identity.” Reflecting on cultural resilience, he notes, “The parades, the music, the dances – they were all a testament to a resilient culture that had endured and thrived despite centuries of oppression. During the Great Migration, many African Americans moved to Oklahoma City, and neighborhoods like Deep Deuce became cultural hubs. In the 1950s and 60s, Juneteenth celebrations intertwined with the Civil Rights Movement, featuring marches and rallies emphasizing racial equality and justice.
Modern Celebrations: Today, Juneteenth in Oklahoma City features a variety of events, including parades, cultural festivals, educational workshops, and community gatherings, celebrating both historical and contemporary African American culture and achievements.
Below is a list of Oklahoma City-based Juneteenth events for all ages.
Public Events
Date: June 13, 2024
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Langston University, Oklahoma City campus, 7401 N. Kelley Avenue
Description: Family-friendly activities, informational fair, bounce house, face painting, food, and information about Langston’s online bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership.
Date: June 15, 2024
Time: All day
Location: NE 23rd St. Between Hood AND Kelham
Description: Community celebration for all people to rejoice in freedom, cultural exchange, and community uplift, organized by With Love OKC.
Library Events:
Date: June 13, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Southern Oaks Library, 6900 S Walker Avenue
Description: This movie screening is set in 1965, celebrating Juneteenth with popcorn. PG-13 film with parental guidance advised.
Date: June 1 - June 18, 2024
Time: All Day
Location: Almonte Library, 2727 SW 59th ST.
Description: Interactive display on Juneteenth, with prompts to inspire oral culture recordings like history, poetry, stories, music, etc.
Date: June 15, 2024
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Southern Oaks Library, 6900 S Walker Avenue
Description: Storytime, poetry reading, community partners' tables, crafts, and scavenger hunt for all ages.
Juneteenth in Oklahoma City is a celebration that honors the past, celebrates the present, and inspires future generations. Through historical reflection and cultural festivities, a community can come together to commemorate this holiday.