#InTheLoop | Juneteenth Celebrations in Queens
BY QEDC It's In Queens
Juneteenth — which originates from Union General Gordon Granger’s Texas emancipation order on June 19, 1865 — is the oldest national celebration of slavery’s end and the newest date to become a federal holiday. Common commemorations include barbecues, concerts, and public readings, and as always, Queens hosts the best events. A guide to Juneteenth in Queens follows.
June 17–19, Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria’s Kaufman Arts District.
The new media lab will be open for green-screening and creating a fantasy world inspired by The Princess and the Frog, a modern take on the classic Grimm fairy tale featuring Disney’s first African American princess. Learn how to design a game that takes the player on a magical adventure into a Black utopian future or explore the “Behind the Screen” exhibition to learn about legendary actress Lena Horne, who lived in Queens for many years, and Civil Rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. (Check website for hours.)
Visitors are encouraged to dress in gorgeous outfits as part of a Mx. Juneteenth competition.
The Open Mic will be on Sunday at 5 pm. Hosted by Sainabou Njai of MoMI Community Partner African Peach Arts Coalition, participants can share a poem, song, or dance that connects with the themes of Juneteenth or celebrates African American identity.
June 18, 1 pm, Louis Armstrong House Museum, 34-56 107th St., Corona.
The Julliard School graduate Bryan Carter and his group play Jazz in museum garden. Free, but limited seating.
June 18, 2 pm, Lewis Latimer House Museum, 34-41 137th St., Flushing.
A joyous celebration of freedom and African American culture with poetry, portraiture, seed paper, and self-care/Reiki workshops and a Juneteenth flag installation.
June 19, 5 pm, Laurelton LIRR Station, 225th Street and 141st Road.
The Juneteenth Night Market features official Sovereign Markets vendors, farm-fresh produce, live drumming, fashion, a glow dance party, food trucks, handmade crafts, a kiddie corner with games, and a special performance by the Springfield Rifles Cheer Team.
June 20, 3 pm, Kingsland Homestead, 143-35 37th Ave., Flushing.
The Queens Historical Society and Healing Hearts Ministry present a talk about the Underground Railroad.
Weeklong Observance, Queens Public Library. It started on June 13. Here are the remaining events.
June 17, Freedom Walk around the Rochdale Village branch, 169-09 137th Ave., 5 pm.
June 18, dance performance and class by CarNYval Dancers. Langston Hughes branch, 100-01 Northern Blvd., Corona, 1 pm.
Reelblack Films presentation and discussion at 3 pm and a painting activity at 3:30 pm.
Top image: Bryan Carter; bottom image: Museum of the Moving Image