Juneteenth events happening in Atlanta this week

June 17,2020

Raisa Habersham, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Amid ongoing Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality across the nation, many cities including Atlanta, are preparing to celebrate Juneteenth, the day the last slaves in Texas were freed. 

The holiday falls on June 19, but has not been designated as a federal holiday, which would make it a paid holiday for many American workers. Ongoing protests have sparked renewed interest in the holiday with several companies making it a paid holiday.More than 45 states have passed legislation and resolutions commemorating Juneteenth, with the most recent resolution passing in Montana in 2017, according to the Federal American Scientists.

As parades and festival are under way to honor and shed light on Juneteenth, here are some events in Atlanta that will celebrate the holiday: 

The Juneteenth Takeover – Curated by creative arts consultant company Power Haus Creative, the Atlanta Downtown Neighborhood Association in conjunction with Atlanta-based art nonprofit C4 Atlanta is hosting an outdoor gallery exhibit of “unapologetic Black expression” from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. The exhibit will sit on the exterior of the historic Flatiron Building, also known as FlatironCity at 84 Peachtree Street, in Downtown Atlanta. It will feature 19 artists and will remain on display until Monday, June 22. More information about the event can be found at https://www.atlantadowntown.com/do/the-juneteenth-takeover.