Also known as June 19th, June 19th, Emancipation Day, Freedom, or Jubilee Day, it marks the anniversary of the end of American slavery.
The date marks the 160th anniversary of the arrival of federal forces in Galveston, Texas, and announces the freedom of enslaved African Americans and the end of the civil war. Over the past few years, June has taken on even more meaning and importance since the death of George Floyd at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer in 2020.
Even after the holidays themselves have passed, Orlando area celebrations are planned for the next few days. Here’s how you can celebrate June in central Florida:
Eatonville’s June 1887 celebration will be held at the June festival, which will be held on June 19th to June 21st at Freedom Day celebrations, and at Youth Jam on June 20th and at Hangerford Field on June 21st. Find a full lineup of events and schedules.
St. Cloud’s June Art and Film Expo will showcase nights of art, film, creativity, live entertainment, workshops, food and drinks at the St. Cloud Community Centre. Tickets cost $23.18 for general admission and $55.20 for VIP. The event will take place on June 20th from 4 to 9pm at 3101 17th St. in St. Cloud. More information: EventBrite.com
Oviedo’s June celebration celebrates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the United States with food, games, educational resources, DJs, water safety and pooling activities. The free event is from 10:30am to 2:30pm at 1600 Lockwood Boulevard. At Oviedo. More information: Facebook.com
Love & Liberation: Boldly and Rude June’s Pride Celebration will bring the community to the Central Florida Fairgrounds for a free family event featuring black people, strange artists, drug performers, local business vendors, food trucks, DJs and more. The event that will appear with Pride Orlando will take place on June 21st at 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando from 2-6pm. More details: comeoutwithpride.org
The City of Winter Garden will celebrate in June by hosting community celebrations, including family activities, entertainment, community resources and food. The free event will take place on June 21st at 1203 E. Plant St. in Winter Garden from 10am to 10pm. More information: cwgdn.com
Sanford and Orlando Entertainment are hosting a June block party at Sanford River Walk with live music, food, dance, art and craft. The free festival will be on 401 E. Seminole Boulevard on June 21st from 4-9pm. In Sanford. Details: sanfordfl.gov
Clermont’s June celebration offers cultural performances, delicious food, games, vendors and education about a vacation at the Waterfront Park. The event also features a June Art and Essay Contest for Students, which has won K-12. Visitors will be able to enjoy the free festival at 330 3rd St. in Clermont on June 21st from 3-7pm. Details: Clermontfl.gov
A June 1.9 miles of color walk brings together the community to celebrate freedom and community. The event, hosted by SMB Personal Fitness, will be held at Heart of West Lakes Wellness. Participants will receive T-shirts and stolen bags, snacks, field day activities and fun for all ages. Registration is $45 per person. The walk will begin at 710 S. Tampa Ave. in Orlando at 7am on June 21st. More information: Facebook.com
Mount Dora Junior Festival features music, games, food and basketball at Kowlylot Park. The event will be held on June 21st at N. Highland Street, Mount Dora, in 1717, from 3pm to 8pm. Details: CI.Mount-Dora.fl.us
The Terrace Gallery at Orlando City Hall shows the work of Mary Anne Carroll, the only female artist in Florida’s famous group of highway artists. The highway was a group of 26 African-American artists working in Florida in the mid-20th century. The exhibition will be on display at 400 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando until June 22nd. Details: orlando.gov
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