Guide to Juneteenth Celebrations in Albany County, NY
Celebrate Juneteenth in Albany County!
This historic holiday commemorating what is considered to be the effective end of slavery in the US has been observed since June 19, 1865.
Throughout Albany join in events celebrating freedom, unity, diversity, and Black history and culture. Scroll on to learn more about Albany's Juneteenth celebrations taking place all month long! Please note that the majority of events take place over Juneteenth weekend, Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20!
Hop Aboard the Juneteenth Trolley
On Saturday, June 20, a CDTA trolley runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, making it easy to hop on and off between Juneteenth event sites. Stops include Rensselaer Street (the Alice Moore Black Arts and Cultural Center celebration), the New York State Museum, the Underground Railroad Education Center, and Ten Broeck Mansion.
Juneteenth Commemoration at The Myers Residence
Underground Railroad Education Center | June 20 | 12 PM - 4 PM | Free
Spend a Saturday afternoon honoring the significance of Juneteenth at the Underground Railroad Education Center. Explore exhibits and displays, take in performances, enjoy refreshments, and tour the residence that was home to Stephen and Harriet Myers, who played an important role in the journey to freedom in the Capital Region.
Special Screening: The Brothers: Forgotten Struggle for Civil Rights in Albany
NYS Museum | June 20 | 2 PM | Free
New York State Archivist Brian Keough introduces a special screening of the 25-minute documentary The Brothers: Forgotten Struggle for Civil Rights in Albany. The film explores The Brothers, a civil rights organization founded in 1966 by working-class African American men from Albany’s Arbor Hill and South End. Predating the Black Panther Party, the group came to personify the Black Power movement in Albany during the mid- to late 1960s.
Free Family Program - Arts & Culture of Africa
Ten Broeck Mansion | June 20 - 21 | Free
Celebrate the life and legacy of Rosanna Vosburgh, abolitionist, reformer, philanthropist, and paid household manager at the Ten Broeck Mansion, with free weekend tours that trace her impact on Albany and beyond, including ties to the Underground Railroad. On Saturday, June 20, a free family program, Arts and Culture of Africa, rounds out the day with a story reading by Albany artist and author Elizabeth Zunon, West African-inspired textile printing, a make-your-own-bandana workshop, and a hands-on look at the foods and plants of Africa.
Juneteenth 161 Mile Challenge
Anywhere | All Month Long | Free
Cap City Runners is honoring the 161th anniversary of Juneteenth with a 161-mile walk/run challenge throughout the month of June. Participation is open to all. Track your progress on Strava and move together in unity all month long!
More on Juneteenth
Read more on Juneteenth with guest blog post "New York's Relation to Juneteenth" written by Paul Stewart. Stewart is an independent researcher and co-founder of the Underground Railroad Education Center. The blog post details the history of emancipation celebrations in New York beginning in 1827.
