(BROOKLYN, NY) -- Plans are underway for thousands of New Yorkers and virtual participants from across the country to celebrate Juneteenth with a three-day celebration of music, dance, wellness, poetry, education and more at the 12th annual Juneteenth NYC Family Festival, June 18-20 in Brooklyn. The event will kick off virtually on Friday, June 18th, then become a hybrid celebration including both virtual and in-person events for the remainder of the weekend. In-person events will be held at Herbert Von King Park on Saturday, June 19 and at the Bed Stuy Restoration Amphitheater on Sunday, June 20th.
Over the 3-day festival, attendees will enjoy a vibrant experience of rich culture with live performances, workshops, family activities and vendors all gathered to celebrate the achievements of the Black community. The Brooklyn Public Library will be releasing its first-ever limited-edition Black American Library card at the Juneteenth Festival to mark the first year the holiday will be recognized as a City, State and public school holiday. The Brooklyn’s Children’s Museum has also signed on as festival partner to reinforce the importance of Juneteenth and to help provide families with a meaningful, engaging way to celebrate. Attendees can register to receive the link to the virtual portion of the festival here.
“We believe our 12th Annual Juneteenth NYC Family Festival promises to be our largest and most impactful celebration of cultures and community yet,” said Juneteenth NYC Organizer Athenia Rodney. “In addition to fantastic entertainment, children’s clinics by the New York Knicks and Rangers, festival go-ers will also have opportunities for education and empowerment with health and wellness events, financial literacy guidance, and small business cultivation among other fanfare.”
Commenting on the importance of the Juneteenth celebration, Jackie Wilson, II, Executive Director of Diversity and Inclusion for BSE Global, the company that manages the Brooklyn Nets and supports management of the New York Liberty said, “The Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty are proud to amplify the importance of the Juneteenth holiday. Juneteenth Festival NYC is a celebration of Black culture and is one way that we can educate and raise awareness as we continue to push for racial equality and justice in our community.”
Rodney added, “Our 12th annual festival is even more exciting since it will mark the first time that Juneteenth is an official New York public holiday.” This year’s festival theme, “Rebirthing the Roots of Entrepreneurial Excellence,” will honor and explore the history of our entrepreneurial ancestors and empower the entrepreneurs of our community today.
Virtual participants can enjoy the three day event on a robust platform where they can experience the festival in its entirety, visiting small businesses, purchasing products and even taking home a swag bag. They will have access to all entertainment, workshops and live programs in a multi-dimensional format. “Just as we celebrate the emancipation of slaves during Juneteenth, we need to bring to light the oppressive disparities in Healthcare for BIPOCs. We need to show how working together with other Community-Based Organizations we can bring forth the healthcare emancipation of our communities," said Irene Treadwell, Board Member and Founder/President of the Black Nurses Consortium.
Festival Sponsors as of June 4, 2021 include: W.P. Carey Inc.; The Brooklyn Nets; New York Liberty; Lupus Research Alliance; Emblem Health; MSG Sports, NY Knicks and NY Rangers; Healthfirst; New York State of Health; Success Academy Charter School; AARP New York; East New York Restoration; American Heart Association; Ascend Learning, Inc.; Empire BlueCross BlueShield HealthPlus; Umoja Events; Liberty Coca-Cola; LiveOnNY; American Heart Association; Co-Op Ride; The Labz; Rise Up NY Campaign; Start Small Think Big; Ms. Spudz Everything Potatoes No Gravy; Community Partners; Brooklyn Children’s Museum; Brooklyn Public Library; Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet; and Destiny Helpers Outreach Inc.
To register for the event, please visit: http://bit.ly/JuneteenthNY2021