Celebrate Juneteenth in Jacksonville, FL: Events and Businesses to Support
Explore Jacksonville's Rich Black Heritage and Enjoy Juneteenth
Juneteenth became an unofficial holiday in 1865 when 250,000 slaves in Texas, were declared free by the U.S. Army. Over time, Black communities in Texas and throughout the United States started celebrating our emancipation. Juneteenth was made a federal holiday in 2021 but even without national attention, Black Americans have enjoyed June 19 as our own Independence Day. Jacksonville, FL has very rich Black history and there are a number of ways to celebrate this year.
Take a Black heritage tour with Yollie and Explore Jax Core.
The owner, Yollie, has spent years learning the vast Black history of Jacksonville and loves to share her knowledge. We toured historically Black communities including LaVilla which was once known as the “Harlem of the South.” Use code: JUNE19 to save $6 on your tour.
Yollie, owner of Explore Jax Core Tours explaining one of the tour sites
After enjoying your tour with Explore Jax Core, cool off at Waffle Cone with some Red Velvet ice cream. Red Velvet is a flavor created by African descendants in the states. “The hibiscus flower was one of the herbs [enslaved Africans] transported, and our ancestors couldn’t have sweets during slavery. So, as a way to sweeten the food, they used hibiscus, and when they did that, it gave the food a very red tint. Then the invention of red velvet cake came,” co-founder of Indy Juneteenth, James Webb said.
Visit Ritz Theater and Museum
Located in LaVilla, this community remained a hub of Black culture for decades. James Weldon Johnson, NAACP leader and author of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” was a LaVilla native. During LaVilla’s heyday, musical legends including Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington performed at The Ritz Theater which has been preserved and now serves as a theater and museum.
Cruise up the river with McCoy Waterways.
This Black-owned business offers two, four and six hour cruises and has the ability to go off-shore. They provide snacks, drinks and a wonderful time with great music. You can book a private tour with friends and family, or book as an individual and meet new people.
Enjoy a meal at Starvin Like Marvin, a Black-owned restaurant that serves up large portions of fresh fish.
Every Friday evening, head to De Reel Ting Cafe in Downtown Jax for a FREE concert. The restaurant has a full menu and bar inside and outside there’s a DJ and live music.
Attend the FREE Lincolnville Juneteenth Community Festival on June 15 for a day of family fun, music and culture.
Or the Melanin Market Juneteenth Celebration also on Saturday, June 15 with performances from national recording artists Changing Faces and local talent.
Jacksonvillians, have I missed anything. If so, please add it in the comments.
A Vibe Called Fest keeps you up-to-date with all the important information for festivals and cultural events centered around Black culture. Subscribe and check out our FesTEAval Blog posts and the Next Fests list.
