New Orleans is preparing for the upcoming Juneteenth Festival, set to take place on June 19 at Louis Armstrong Park. This annual festival, which debuted in June 2020, aims to honor the significance of Juneteenth in the city, while fostering unity and cooperative economics within the Black community.

Preceding the festival is the Juneteenth Freedom Gala, scheduled for June 18 at the Andre Cailloux Center on Bayou Road. The gala will provide an opportunity for reflection on the importance of Juneteenth and the strides made toward liberation.

Juneteenth marks the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865, and has grown into an annual commemoration of African American freedom and a symbol of unity nationwide. The NOLA Juneteenth Festival seeks to celebrate this historical milestone while addressing present and future challenges for racial justice.

Louis Armstrong Park will host the festival from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Attendees can expect live music performances from local acts such as Water Seed, Lower 9 Dolls, Keedy Black, and more, in addition to cultural displays, art exhibitions, and a variety of culinary food reflecting the rich heritage of New Orleans and its Black community.

Promoting cooperative economics, the festival will showcase local Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. The event aims to empower the community and facilitate meaningful discussions on economic empowerment and community development by connecting attendees with vendors and encouraging support for Black-owned enterprises.

For more information about the NOLA Juneteenth Festival, including a detailed schedule of events and ticketing information, please visit the official website.