06/19/2026
Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally received word that they were free. It is a day of freedom, resilience, and joy 🖤❤️💚
Pittsburgh has deep roots in this history. The city was a vital stop on the Underground Railroad, with the Hill District, Downtown, and Mount Washington serving as main hubs for abolitionist work. In 1831, Martin R. Delany settled in Pittsburgh and went on to found The Mystery, the first Black newspaper west of the Allegheny Mountains. The Hill District later became known as "Little Harlem," home to a thriving jazz scene where artists like Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, and Pittsburgh's own Billy Strayhorn performed. The Pittsburgh Courier, founded in 1907, became one of the most influential Black newspapers in the country.
This year, Pittsburgh is celebrating Juneteenth in a few ways: 🎶 WPA Juneteenth Celebration is June 18 to 22 at Mellon Park and Downtown Pittsburgh. Free live entertainment, family programming, and a vendor plaza open daily from 11am to 10pm. Entertainment includes Final Draft, Keith Washington, and Evelyn Champagne King in Market Square, plus Lloyd, Musiq Soulchild, and Fabolous at Point State Park.
🎉 FusionFest, an event featuring a historical walk through Black Pittsburgh, a makers market, spoken word, art gallery, fashion show, health and wellness programming, and performances spanning gospel, jazz, hip-hop, and Afrobeats. Taking place on June 30th at the Greenwood Plan Building.
🚢 The Juneteenth All Black Boat Party is on Thursday, June 18, aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet. It’s a 21+ event, and boarding is at 9 pm.
We celebrate Juneteenth to honor Black freedom, Black history, and the ongoing fight for equality 🖤
