Oakland Cemetery is one of Atlanta’s most inclusive institutions. Everyone is invited to participate in the 2020 Juneteenth activities, regardless of race or religion.
Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States. It commemorates the date of June 19, 1865, when the last African-American slaves held in Confederate states were finally freed by the Union army, in Galveston, Texas. Six months later, the Thirteenth Amendment officially made slavery illegal throughout the entire United States. Juneteenth has been observed since 1866.
This year, Juneteenth takes on a more reflective, serious tone, as the Atlanta community grapples with social justice issues.
You may also be interested in a more complete list of 2020 Juneteenth observances.
Juneteenth Reflection and Remembrance Walk
Thursday June 18, 2020
6:30-7:30 p.m.
FREE to attend
Come out in a show of community solidarity. Everyone is invited to walk Oakland’s grounds for an hour of silent reflection and remembrance. You’ll get a map at the gate, directing you to sites of African American history. There will be no speeches, music, or tours. It’s a time for communal reflection and contemplation, according to the Oakland website.
Please observe social distancing guidelines. Cloth face masks are encouraged.
Visit the Facebook event page
Go the Oakland Cemetery website page
Digital Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, June 19, 2020
Virtual event
FREE to attend
Throughout the day, Oakland’s Facebook page and Instagram will feature:
- Virtual tours of Oakland’s African American Burial Grounds
- Gullah Geechee storytelling and musical performances
- Music and prayer from Reverend John Foster and the Big Bethel A.M.E. Church choir, and more.
- Media from Remembrance as Resistance: Preserving Black Narratives by artist Charmaine Minniefield to promote Historic Oakland Foundation’s Juneteenth celebration in 2021.
A detailed schedule of the virtual events is not available yet — check back here, the Oakland website, or Oakland’s social media pages (links above).
More events around metro Atlanta:
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Friday, July 10, 2020
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Sunday, July 12, 2020
Monday, July 13, 2020
