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Get the most interesting and important stories from the University of Pittsburgh.Earlier this year, Pitt announced that all University campuses would close in observation of Juneteenth. If you’re looking for ways to commemorate the holiday and support local Black organizations, we’ve got you covered.
From musical performances to a march, a ballroom dance party to markets, here are Juneteenth treats for your ears, feet and mind this weekend in Pittsburgh.
2022 Western Pennsylvania Juneteenth Homecoming Celebration
June 17-19, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The weekend’s biggest freedom festival stretches from Downtown’s Market Square to Point State Park. The three-day span of events includes local and nationally touring music acts headlined by funk-soul band, War, and a Juneteenth Minority Vendor Plaza.
Where: Market Square and Point State Park
Tickets: free
Grand Jubilee of Freemen Juneteenth Parade
Saturday, June 18, at 11 a.m.
Organizers of the Western Pennsylvania Juneteenth Jubilee Parade describe the march as a re-enactment of the 1870 Jubilee of Freemen Parade based on the passage of the 15th Amendment granting Black people the right to vote and the 1914 Women's Suffrage Parade held in Pittsburgh. See if you can spot the Pitt Alumni Association banner and PAA president Valerie Njie in the procession.
Following the parade, at 1 p.m. is a Voting Rights Forum featuring Jacqueline Hamer-Flakes, daughter of Fannie Lou Hamer; the president of the PA Chapter of Black Votes Matter; the president of the PA Chapter of League of Women Voters; the president of B-PEP and state and city officials.
Where: The parade will kick off at Freedom Corner in the Hill District at the intersection of Crawford Street and Centre Avenue, will route through Pittsburgh’s Downtown and end in Point State Park.
Tickets: free
Juneteenth Freedom Pride Ball
Saturday, June 18, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
This party will make you want to pose. Pittsburgh’s ballroom scene’s best and brightest are turning up the heat in Juneteenth-inspired looks. Join DJ Pillz for a raucous night on P-Town’s dance floor.
Where: P-Town Bar, 4740 Baum Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213
Tickets: at the door, $15
Juneteenth Makers Market
Sunday, June 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Spend an afternoon perusing wares made by Pittsburgh-based Black artists and craftspeople. Bakery Square hosts this market in partnership with Argyle Studio, a gallery and marketplace committed to uplifting and supporting BIPOC artists.
Where: Bakery Square Conservatory, 6425 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15206
Juneteenth Freedom Skate
Sunday, June 19, 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Strap on your wheels and join youth skate nonprofit Roller Sk8 Connection of Pittsburgh, Inc. for an evening of community building and cardio. The theme of Sunday’s skate is “Honor the Past and Inspire the Future.”
Where: Schenley Skating Rink, 10341 Overlook Dr., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213
Tickets: $25
— Nichole Faina