Westchester Juneteenth Celebrations 2024
President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 was a monumental step towards freedom, declaring over three million enslaved people in Confederate states to be free. However, the journey to freedom was only immediate for some. It took more than two years for the news to reach Texas, so all officially learned about the abolition of slavery on June 19th, 1865—this day, known as Juneteenth, marked the official day of freedom. This moment brought immense joy and relief, sparking celebrations filled with prayer, song, feasting, and dancing. The following year, the first official Juneteenth celebrations took place in Texas, marking the beginning of a tradition that continues today.
This significant day in American history was overlooked for many years as it did not become a state holiday in Texas until 1980. While other states eventually recognized it as a state holiday over the years, it wasn’t until just a few years ago, in 2021, that Juneteenth gained federal holiday status in America. While it took far too long for this holiday to gain the recognition it deserves, communities have built incredible traditions surrounding June 19th over the years. Today, Juneteenth is an annual tradition and day celebrated across the United States, featuring educational events, family gatherings, picnics, and festivals with music, food, dancing, prayer, religious services, and more. In Westchester, several celebrations are taking place throughout the county to celebrate Juneteenth, and every celebration has something for families to enjoy. We’re bringing you everything you need to know to celebrate Juneteenth in Westchester this year.
Celebrations
Yonkers
The Yonkers African American Heritage Committee was established in 1975 by Yonkers residents with a mission to promote the rich culture of the African Diaspora. This local nonprofit organizes events such as the Annual Juneteenth Parade & Festival, Annual Kwanzaa Celebration, Annual Scholarship Banquet, Educational Symposiums, Donation Drive, and the Annual Black History Month Awards Luncheon.
This year’s celebration on June 15th will include a parade starting on Warburton Ave. and Manor House Square and a festival held at the JFK Marina, 1 John F Kennedy Memorial Dr, Yonkers. There will be music, food, fun, and games for the entire family. The festivities begin at 1:00 p.m., and all are welcome to this family-friendly event.
New Rochelle
The Lincoln Park Conservancy, Inc. Juneteenth Celebration 2024 takes place all month, from June 1st to June 30th, at various times and locations in New Rochelle. This year marks the third annual Juneteenth Celebration in the City of New Rochelle, and its theme is resilience, which will be carried out throughout each event. These various family-friendly events include a jazz concert, spoken word, African dance, a historic trolley tour, multiple kids’ games, an array of exhibits, educational lectures, film screenings, a gospel concert, a drum line performance, an African marketplace, local food vendors, and much more.
On June 19th, families and residents are invited to celebrate from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Glen Island Park with a fun day featuring an African marketplace, performances, a petting zoo, food trucks, and much more. Be sure to like and follow the TLPC’s Juneteenth Celebration Facebook page for updates and information on every Juneteenth event happening this June!
Ossining
Ossining is also taking the chance to celebrate Juneteenth all month, with several celebrations happening throughout the city. The celebrations included the Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony on June 1st, presented by The Juneteenth Council and the Village of Ossining. Continuing with an event on June 21st from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., “Ballroom Has Something to Say: An Ode to Black Gay/Queer Men” will be presented at the Bethany Arts Community. This event is a production by Icon Michael Roberson, showcasing the intergenerational history of the Black LGBTQ+ house ballroom community. The 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration will take place on June 22nd at noon in Louis Engel Waterfront Park, offering an afternoon of culture, history, fellowship, and more, presented by The Juneteenth Council, The Town of Ossining, and Bethany Arts Community. Lastly, the WBBTC 3rd Annual Juneteenth Tournament & Family Fun Day will be held on June 29th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 95 Broadway, featuring performances, food, and vendors and presented by The Juneteenth Council, for more information on these events visit, www.juneteenthcouncil.org.
Peekskill
Mark your calendar for the Peekskill Juneteenth Celebration on June 15th, starting at 1:00 p.m., with the parade kickoff at Park Street A.M.E. Zion Church, 1220 Park Street. The parade route will be from Park Street to Brown Street to Downtown Park Street to N. Division Street, followed by the festival at Downtown Park Street and N. Division Street. This year’s celebration theme is “Empowering the Next Generation.” The festival will feature live entertainment, food vendors, community partners, and more.
Irvington
Irvington’s 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, presented by the Irvington Juneteenth Committee and the Village of Irvington, can’t be missed. This year, the town of Irvington will begin by holding a workshop for little ones called Ways to Fly from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Irvington Historical Society on 131 Main Street. This workshop is free and is for kids in grades four through six. The workshop will include discussions and art activities for children to explore their own resilience techniques. Pre-registration is required.
Also, make sure to check out the Celebration of the Legacy of Madam C.J. Walker on June 22nd from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Villa Lewaro, 67 North Broadway. This historic street naming celebration in honor of Madam C.J. Walker will feature the attendance of her great-great-granddaughter, A’Lelia Bundles. There will be music, food, and tours of Villa Lewaro. This event is also free, but pre-registration is required for the timed tours.
Haverstraw
The Haverstraw African American Connection 2024 Juneteenth Events, presented by Haverstraw African American Connection, will take place from June 14th to 16th at the Haverstraw African American Memorial Park, 41 Clinton Street. These events will include various activities such as live music, presentations, re-enactments, vendors, food, and a KIDZone. An event that can’t be missed is the incredible Beacon of Hope, a permanent Harriet Tubman statue, and the Freedom Wall Mural, which will be unveiled on June 15th.
White Plains
The White Plains Juneteenth Parade and Festival will happen on June 8th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Downtown White Plains. Presented by the White Plains Juneteenth Heritage Committee, this 20th annual community event aims to preserve the legacy and history of Juneteenth. The parade and festival will feature arts and craft vendors, food, and entertainment for the whole family. Kenneth Chamberlain, Jr. has been selected as the Grand Marshal of the 2024 parade, and special honorees include White Plains Hospital, African American Men of Westchester, Karen Jenkins, and Sheran Lyons.
Greenburgh
Town Councilwoman Gina Jackson and friends present Greenburgh’s 5th Annual Juneteenth Event. This event will take place on June 14th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 177 Hillside Avenue in Greenburgh. The day of celebration and remembrance “reflects on the past, rejoices in the progress made, and recommits to the work that still lies ahead.”
Tuckahoe
Tuckahoe’s 4th annual Juneteenth Celebration will be held on June 15th from 12:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Main Street Park, 1-25 Marbledale Avenue. The Tuckahoe Juneteenth Committee presents this event with local sponsors, including Tuckahoe Kids Table, NY Presbyterian Bronxville, and Stop & Shop Eastchester.
Pelham
The Village of Pelham is inviting families to save the date for June 16th at Wolfs Lane Park at 2 p.m. for a day of inspiration, education, cultural connection, and entertainment to honor and celebrate Juneteenth. This event is made possible by a generous grant from ArtsWestchester for the third consecutive year. The celebration is presented by the Village of Pelham Council on the Arts, with support from and collaboration with the Pelham Art Center. Families from all over Westchester are encouraged to attend and be part of this special celebration.
Ardsley
The Ardsley Multicultural Diversity and Inclusion Juneteenth Celebration, hosted by The Village of Ardsley, will take place on June 15th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Pascone Park, 638 Ashford Ave. This event will feature music, dance, and poetry, including performances by a DJ and the Harlem School for The Arts. Families can also purchase delicious food and ice cream.
Pound Ridge
On June 19th, the second annual Pound Ridge Juneteenth event will take place and is perfect for all lovers of musicals. This event will feature a free Broadway performance with Dan Micciche, the musical director of Wicked, Stephanie Umoh, who portrays Angelica Schuyler in the national tour of Hamilton, and Tamar Greene, who portrays George Washington in Hamilton on Broadway. This event is one you won’t want to miss! The performance will begin at 7:00 p.m. at The Green in Scotts Corners.
Mount Kisco
Mount Kisco’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration will take place on June 22nd from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Train Station Parking Lot in Mount Kisco. This event will be hosted by Aaliyah Thompson and is “open to people of all ages and races who want to have fun, be educated, and promote diversity and love in the town.” Food and entertainment will be provided for everyone to enjoy.
Lewisboro
The Lewisboro community is invited to celebrate Juneteenth on June 8th, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Lewisboro Town Park, 1190 Route 35, South Salem. This event is open to the public and will feature live music, food, crafts, games, and a DJ. This event is guaranteed fun for the entire family.
Katonah
Residents of Katonah are invited to celebrate Juneteenth at Caramoor on June 16th. This event features a performance by Charles Turner & Uptown Swing, offering music from the 1920s to the present day. It is a family-friendly event with various activities such as double-dutch, art workshops, express yourself sessions, and more. This is a free event, open to all, and takes place from 2:00 pm with activities, followed by the performance at 4:00 pm.
Celebrate Juneteenth all month long in Westchester and honor this historic day in America.
