Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey into culture, history, and freedom.
Pittsburgh is proud to host the Western Pennsylvania Juneteenth Homecoming Celebration from June 16-19, 2023. At Point State Park and Market Square, this event promises a rich and vibrant celebration of all the cities and boroughs within Allegheny County.
This free and family-friendly celebration is a perfect summer event for anyone interested in immersing themselves in African American Culture Education. From enlightening speeches by keynote speakers to the rhythmic beats of live music and the delightful offerings of local vendors, this celebration has something for everyone.
Here’s a synopsis of the 2023 Juneteenth Homecoming Celebration performance schedule:
Friday, June 16, features the likes of Hurricane Chris, Arrested Development, and KRS-ONE, while Saturday, June 17, offers an incredible lineup including The Jazz Ambassadors of The US Army Field Band, SAMMIE, KeKe Wyatt, and Carl Thomas & Band.
Sunday, June 18, continues the rhythm with performances by Sammie Deleon Afro-Cuban Band, Soul 4 Real, and Erica Campbell. The celebration concludes on Monday, June 19 with The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Phyllis Hyman Tribute Band, RUFF ENDZ, and The Ohio Players, followed by a stunning Juneteenth Fireworks display at 9:35 pm.
Furthermore, in memory of the 1870 Jubilee of Freemen Parade and Pittsburgh’s 1914 Women’s Suffrage Parade, the Juneteenth-Voting Rights Parade is set to take place on June 17. This reenactment serves as a historical tribute, underlining the significance of voting rights and civil liberties.
In line with the theme of empowerment, the Juneteenth Freedom Festival is ready to welcome dozens of minority-owned small businesses, artisans, and vendors at a Juneteenth Minority Vendor Plaza along Liberty and Penn Avenues. This will be a fantastic opportunity for attendees to support these businesses while discovering unique goods and services.
The Grand Jubilee Juneteenth Parade is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 17. Following the parade, an insightful voting rights forum will take place at 1 p.m., allowing attendees to engage in discussions and learn more about the importance of voting rights.
Moreover, if this cultural immersion leaves you yearning for more, mark your calendars for the 2023 Pittsburgh Black Music Festival from July 13-15. This event at Point State Park and Market Square features an impressive lineup of jazz, gospel, hip-hop, RnB, funk, blues, and soul performances.
Before we part ways, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the history of Juneteenth. The day pays tribute to June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and the freedom of slaves. Juneteenth is now celebrated as a day of education, self-improvement, and commemoration of freedom.
Pennsylvania officially designated June 19 a state holiday in 2019, while Pittsburgh and Allegheny County followed suit in 2021, further emphasizing the importance of this day in our collective history.
Please visit their official website for additional information on the 2023 Western Pennsylvania Juneteenth Celebration & Black Music Festival.
Photos courtesy of the Stop The Violence Pittsburgh website.
