The Connection: Juneteenth

Juneteenth St. Louis Events

Quen Agnew Community Outreach Liasion

I am continually inspired by the strength, resilience, and spirit of the communities that make up the region. As we celebrate Juneteenth this month, I find myself reflecting on the importance of honoring our history while continuing to build opportunities for future generations.

Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in our nation’s history and serves as a celebration of freedom, perseverance, and progress. It is also a time to recognize the countless contributions people of color have made—and continue to make—to our neighborhoods, businesses, schools, places of worship, and communities throughout the region.

As I travel across St. Louis City and County, I have the privilege of meeting residents, community leaders, business owners, and organizations who are committed to creating positive change. Their dedication reminds me that progress is built through collaboration, understanding, and a shared commitment to lifting one another up.

In this edition of The Connection, we celebrate the significance of Juneteenth while highlighting the people, programs, and community efforts that are helping move our region forward. Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping us create stronger, more connected communities for all.

Juneteenth Facts • Name Origin: “Juneteenth” is a blend of the words “June” and “nineteenth”. It is also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Cel-Liberation Day. • General Order No. 3: Union General Gordon Granger read this order in Galveston, which declared that all enslaved people in Texas were absolutely free, and that their relationship with former enslavers would become that of employer and hired laborer.

• First State Holiday: Texas became the first state to officially recognize Juneteenth as a holiday in 1980.

• Federal Recognition: On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, establishing Juneteenth as a legal federal holiday.

• Global Observance: Juneteenth is also celebrated internationally, most notably by the Black Mascogo tribe in Coahuila, Mexico, who are descendants of African Americans and Seminoles who fled Texas in the 1800

Continue Reading for Juneteenth Events Throughout the St. Louis Metro Area

Main Celebrations & Festivals

• Joyful Juneteenth Celebration (June 18, 5:00 PM): Hosted at the Missouri History Museum, this event features spoken-word poetry, a Mass Choir, step performances, Black-owned food trucks, and extended museum hours.

• Juneteenth Music Festival at St. Ferdinand Park (June 19, 2:00 PM 10:00 PM): A free, all-ages celebration in Florissant featuring food, vendors, and a headlining performance by Dirty Muggs from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. • The House of Soul Juneteenth Block Party (June 19, 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Head to The House Of Soul on Washington Avenue for a free street festival celebrating Black freedom.

Arts & Culture

• Rest Reimagined at the Saint Louis Art Museum (June 19, 9:00 AM): An immersive experience hosted by Frizzy By Nature at the Saint Louis Art Museum honoring themes of rest, reflection, and wellness in the Black community.

• Soul of a People: A Juneteenth Celebration of Black Music (June 19, 7:30 PM): The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and IN UNISON Chorus will be hosting a powerful concert honoring the legacy of Black artists at Powell Hall.

• Juneteenth Gospel Celebration (June 19, 8:00 PM): Enjoy an uplifting gospel performance by Steward Stiles at The Dark Room at The Grandel.

• The Juneteenth Joint (June 19, 8:00 PM): A celebration of Black expression featuring DJ sets and live musicians at The Key STL on Olive Street

Parades & Community Gatherings

• Juneteenth Holiday Parade & Celebration (June 20, 12:00 PM): Kicking off on Page Blvd, the parade concludes at Beckett Park and will feature the 2026 Juneteenth King and Queen, along with crowns being given out to all fathers in attendance.

• St. Louis County Juneteenth - Yah Yah Apollo Night (June 20, 5:30 PM): Head to the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center for an Apollo-style variety show, live music, vendors, and art display