Juneteenth in Pittsburgh and beyond: What you need to know

On Monday, Americans will celebrate Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

Organizations around Pittsburgh are throwing parties to celebrate the occasion and the continuous battle for equality.

“Juneteenth is America’s second Independence Day,” said William B. Marshall, organizer for the Western Pennsylvania Juneteenth Celebration. “It represents our freedom in North America.”

Juneteenth has been 157 years in the making.

The Emancipation Proclamation freed the slaves in 1863, but that could not be enforced in many places in the South until the Civil War ended in 1865 and news spread.

Juneteenth, celebrated June 19, recognizes the day in 1865 that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and spread the news that the Civil War had ended and slaves had been freed.

Slavery was abolished permanently six months later when Georgia ratified the 13th Amendment.

For generations, Black Americans have recognized the end of one of the darkest chapters in U.S. history with joy, in the form of parades, street festivals, musical performances or cookouts.

The U.S. government was slower to embrace the occasion. It was only in 2021 that President Joe Biden signed a bill passed by Congress to set aside Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

Western Pennsylvania Juneteenth festivities

Known as the WPA Juneteenth celebration, the local festivities include four days filled with events set to happen primarily in Pittsburgh at 601 Commonwealth Place, Market Square and Point State Park.

The events kick off Friday with the Hip-Hop 50-year anniversary showcase. Performers including Hurricane Chris, Arrested Development and KRS-ONE are scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m.

A parade is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, coinciding with the U.S. Army Jazz Band’s performance in honor of Juneteenth’s history and 100-year-old Tuskegee Airman Lt. Colonel James H. Harvey of Colorado. The RnB Showcase, with artists SAMMIE, Keke Wyatt and Carl Thomas, is set for 5 to 8 p.m.

The parade route will begin on Freedom Corner in Pittsburgh’s Hill District before turning right onto Centre Avenue, left onto Sixth Avenue, right onto Fifth Avenue and left on Liberty Avenue, then concluding at Commonwealth Place.

Sunday is Gospel and Soul Day, which will host Sammie Deleon and his Afro-Cuban band at 3 p.m., followed by Soul 4 Real at 6:30 p.m. and Erica Campbell at 8 p.m.

On Monday, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performs at 3 p.m., followed by the Phyllis Hyman Band at 5 p.m., RUFF ENDZ at 6:30 p.m. and the Ohio Players at 8 p.m.

Fireworks are scheduled to go off at 9:35 p.m. at Point State Park, but there are questions over security. The organizers are responsible for providing their own security for the fireworks, Mayor Ed Gainey said. The requirement applies to any such event at the state park, he said, and is not specific to Juneteenth.

But Marshall said last week that he did not intend to provide that required security.

In addition to music and speakers, the celebration will include food and item vendors between Stanwix Street and Commonwealth Place.

Sewickley events

The Sewickley Community Center will hold a Juneteenth celebration from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 17, complete with kids’ activities, local vendors and artists, food, merchandise and music.

“The village of Sewickley and its surrounding communities played a vital part in the migration of former slaves to the North,” according to a statement released by the community center.

The agenda includes a panel discussion regarding the importance of community, featuring the Rev. Victor Grigsby, followed by a welcome/opening at noon.

The Triumph Church Choir will perform from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.

Activities for children will be available, including a bounce house that will be open from 12:45 to 1:30 p.m.

Other entertainment includes Poets Speak, Livefromthecity and the Bryon Nash Trio. Vendors will be available from 2:15 to 2:45 p.m.

Juneteenth Community Day at Pittsburgh Glass Center

On Sunday, The Pittsburgh Glass Center will host a free day of demonstrations and artist lectures.

Neon and plasma demonstrations will be led by local artist Percy Echols from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event is free, but donations are welcome. All proceeds will be contributed to the Pittsburgh Glass Center’s BIPOC scholarship fund. The scholarship helps to support BIPOC students by offering them an opportunity to take any class or workshop at the Pittsburgh Glass Center for free.

At noon, textile artist and Pittsburgh Glass Center staff member Olive Hughes will be speaking, followed by Echols at 1 p.m.

For American Sign Language interpretations, contact Accessibility Coordinator Kate Duncan at kduncan@pittsburghglasscenter.org.

Juneteenth Block Party

On Saturday, the University of Pittsburgh will hold a block party from 2 to 6 p.m. at Fineview Park Shelter.

RSVPs are required. Use the QR code on the flier at diversity.dom.pitt.edu/event/juneteenth-block-party. Music, food trucks, Kona ice, games and a caricature artist will be featured.

The event is sponsored by the Department of Medicine Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and the UPMC GME Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Subcommittee.

Black history: Closer than you think

Hazelwood community group Center of Life has organized a music event from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Hazelwood Green at 4501 Lytle St.

A mobile e-ticket is required and available for free by visiting eventbrite.com and clicking the Juneteenth tab.

The outdoor concert will feature live jazz, soul, funk and hip-hop artists. Food trucks and kids’ games will be available. The Center of Life recommends bringing blankets and lawn chairs.

Westmoreland celebrations planned

Greensburg-based group Unity in the Community is organizing a series of five free Juneteenth celebrations in Westmoreland County.

Multiple organizations are expected to participate in the events, which will feature entertainment, food, resource tables and health screenings.

The first event is set for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Jeannette’s downtown amphitheater, at 501 Clay St. It will feature information from Educated Athletes First, an organization whose goals include increasing educational opportunities for athletes.

Greensburg’s St. Clair Park will be the setting for two of the events — on Sunday and on June 24, each from 2 to 4 p.m. On Sunday, which is Father’s Day, dads who attend will be recognized.

A sneaker ball is planned in conjunction with the June 24 event. Those who attend have the option of combining formal dress with sneakers.

Additional celebrations are set for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday at Fireman’s Park in Arnold and from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Greensburg Event Center, 1700 Washington St., South Greensburg. At Wednesday’s event, attendees will have an opportunity to dine and chat with local military veterans.