Last year, Congress and President Joe Biden deemed Juneteenth a federal holiday. We know in Florida and across the United States that the fight for equality, especially against voter suppression and racial discrimination has progressed, but is far from realized.
Back in 1865 on June 19th, Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger led a force of soldiers to Galveston, Texas to deliver the message that the war was finally over, the Union had won, and it now had the people power to enforce the end of slavery. The announcement came two months after the conclusion of the Civil War, and even longer since Abraham Lincoln had first signed the Emancipation Proclamation, but many enslaved Black people in Texas still weren’t free, even after that day.
Today, being a citizen in the United States requires us to recognize our nation’s most unified AND divisive moments, and to acknowledge how far we still have to go in the fight towards true equality for Black people and families. We are in an unprecedented climate right now, but it’s not the time to look away. We refuse to go backwards.
Author and activist James Baldwin said in 1963, “You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read.”
As members of the Florida GOP continue efforts to erase discussions and ban books on racial inequalities and inequities, it is essential to celebrate Juneteenth and recognize that racial disparities, as well as white supremacists and nationalists, still exist in this country. We continue to see violent rhetoric and actions stemming from racism in the U.S. in addition to systems that marginalize and even erase communities of color. This should not threaten our capacity to hope, it should inspire us to act.
Now 157 years since Emancipation Day, or Juneteenth, all people are still not truly free. Today and every day we have the opportunity to center Black voices in our communities and elect leaders in November who want to see progress, not impede it.
Thank you for being committed to equality for all – we encourage you to honor Juneteenth this weekend, in your actions each day, and through your choices at the polls. Below are several virtual and in-person events taking place in Central Florida.
Onward,
Rep. Anna V. Eskamani
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Event Name: Zora’s Garden
Description: Redistricting will allow Team Anna the distinct honor to represent new constituents within House District 42, which includes the town of Eatonville, a historic community that was the first to be established by African American freedmen. Celebrate Juneteenth with a fun storytime with Rae Chesny, author of “Zora’s Garden.” Learn about Zora Neale Hurston’s love of gardening and her life as a child in Eatonville.
Location: Orange County Library System- Eatonville Branch, 200 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville, 32751
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Friday, June 17th from 1PM – 2PM
Event Name: Black Friday Orlando – Juneteenth 2022
Description: Back for another year celebrating Juneteenth by putting money in the hands of Black Owned Businesses in the Orlando area. This is a scavenger hunt and City Skip Day. RSVP for free: participants can assemble teams of up to four people, download the Eventzee app and get an invitation code on the morning of the event. They scan QR codes and do various challenges at the locations.
Location: Orlando, FL– scavenger hunt and City Skip Day
Date & Time: IN PERSON or VIRTUAL Friday, June 17th at 5PM – Saturday, June 18th at 5PM
Event Name: Juneteenth Festival
Description: Commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans, featuring music, vendors, a kid zone, and more at the City of Orlando’s Inaugural Juneteenth Festival. Team Anna will be tabling, too; come say hi!
Location: Lake Lorna Doone Park, 1519 West Church Street Orlando, FL 32805
Date& Time: IN PERSON on Saturday, June 18th from 12PM – 5PM
Event Name: R&Bingo “Juneteenth Kickoff” Powered by #ConnectFord
Description: R&Bingo is a way of listening to popular music, dancing to the hits, and still remaining competitive. The Bingo cards are filled with a variety of artists and the music is played by a DJ. If the DJ plays a song by an artist on your card, the card gets marked. They will start from the 90’s to current hits!
Location: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 445 South Magnolia Ave, Orlando FL 32801
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Saturday, June 18th from 6PM – 11PM
Event Name: Black Wall Street Juneteenth Block Party
Description: During the day, there will be vendors, DJs, guest hosts, kidzones, and food trucks (1-5 pm). During the night, there will be more vendors, DJs, and more (5-10 pm). Celebrate Juneteenth on Black Wall Street with local and small businesses with clothing, self-care, financial expertise, and more.
Location: Wall Street Plaza 25 Wall Street, Orlando, FL 32801
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Saturday, June 18th from 1PM – 10PM
Details: Day party admission: Free, After Party GA: $15, VIP Wristband: $40
Event Name: Zora Neale Hurston: The Storyteller and Her Town Tour
Description: Eatonville comes to life from the pages of Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” Explore the town during this walking tour while learning about Zora alongside scholar Rae Chesny.
Location: Orange County Library System- Eatonville Branch, 200 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville, 32751
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Saturday, June 18 from 12:30PM – 1:30PM
Event Name: Juneteenth Celebration In Hannibal Square: Remembering, Knowing And Shifting The Narrative
Event Description: The event commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. The celebration and observance will feature distinguished guest speakers on the history of Juneteenth along with community conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Location: Winter Park Community Center, 721 W New England Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789. (Close to Hannibal Square Heritage Center, 642 W. New England Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789)
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Saturday, June 18th from 10AM – 2PM
Event Name: 2022 Juneteenth Urban Community Awards
Description: Honoring Black freedom, excellence, and black business and achievements in the community
Location: Dexter’s Birdland, 595 West Church street Suite E, Orlando, FL
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Sunday, June 19th from 6PM – 10PM
Details: Event tickets start at $17.55
Event Name: 2nd Annual Lunch and Learn: A BTGM Juneteenth event for Kids and Families
Description: Black Theatre Girl Magic is hosting a Lunch and Learn for kids and families, featuring story time, face paint, music, and free food.
Location: The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts at 445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Sunday, June 19th from 11AM – 3PM
Event Name: 2nd Annual Facets of Freedom: A Celebration of Juneteenth
Description: Come enjoy incredible food and spirits and take in the culture of the Black Arts Community of Central Florida.Bring your friends, family, and best Soul Train moves. You don’t want to miss this incredible event. All donations and proceeds will go to funding events that uplift and support Black and Brown women in the Arts.
Location: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Sunday, June 19th from 6PM – 10PM
Details: Event registration costs $20
Event Name: The Men Who Made Juneteenth Possible: Black Soldiers and Sailors in the Civil War
Description: This lecture will highlight the role of African American soldiers during the Civil War to tell the story of the more than 100 other Black regiments and the 54th Massachusetts Infantry at Fort Wagner. This program is presented by Dr. Barbara Gannon and hosted by the Winter Park Health Foundation.
Location: Center for Health and Wellbeing, 2005 Mizell Ave Suite 800, Winter Park, FL 32792
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Tuesday, June 21st from 1PM – 2PM