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5 Juneteenth events to check out this weekend

Tags
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Our City/Our Campus

Earlier this year, Pitt announced that all ϳԹ campuses would close in observation of Juneteenth. If you’re looking for ways to commemorate the holiday and support local Black organizations, we’ve got you covered.

From musical performances to a march, a ballroom dance party to markets, here are Juneteenth treats for your ears, feet and mind this weekend in ϳԹ.

2022 Western Pennsylvania Juneteenth Homecoming Celebration

June 17-19, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

stretches from Downtown’s Market Square to Point State Park. The three-day span of events includes local and nationally touring music acts headlined by funk-soul band, War, and a Juneteenth Minority Vendor Plaza.

Where: and

Tickets: free

Grand Jubilee of Freemen Juneteenth Parade

Saturday, June 18, at 11 a.m.

Organizers of the describe the march as a re-enactment of the 1870 Jubilee of Freemen Parade based on the passage of the 15th Amendment granting Black people the right to vote and the 1914 Women's Suffrage Parade held in ϳԹ. See if you can spot the Pitt Alumni Association banner and PAA president Valerie Njie in the procession.

Following the parade, at 1 p.m. is a Voting Rights Forum featuring Jacqueline Hamer-Flakes, daughter of Fannie Lou Hamer; the president of the PA Chapter of Black Votes Matter; the president of the PA Chapter of League of Women Voters; the president of B-PEP and state and city officials.

Where: The parade will kick off at in the Hill District at the intersection of , will route through ϳԹ’s Downtown and end in Point State Park.

Tickets: free

Juneteenth Freedom Pride Ball

Saturday, June 18, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

will make you want to pose. ϳԹ’s ballroom scene’s best and brightest are turning up the heat in Juneteenth-inspired looks. Join DJ Pillz for a raucous night on P-Town’s dance floor.

Where: , 4740 Baum Blvd., ϳԹ, PA, 15213

Tickets: at the door, $15

Juneteenth Makers Market

Sunday, June 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

made by ϳԹ-based Black artists and craftspeople. Bakery Square hosts this market in partnership with Argyle Studio, a gallery and marketplace committed to uplifting and supporting BIPOC artists.

Where: , 6425 Penn Ave., ϳԹ, PA, 15206

Juneteenth Freedom Skate

Sunday, June 19, 5 to 9:30 p.m.

Strap on your wheels and join youth skate nonprofit . for an evening of community building and cardio. The theme of is “Honor the Past and Inspire the Future.”

Where: , 10341 Overlook Dr., ϳԹ, PA, 15213

Tickets:

— Nichole Faina