Juneteenth is an important holiday that commemorates the day of emancipation from slavery in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, which was the last state to do so. Since then, Syracuse New York has played an important role in the State of New York in achieving and maintaining freedom, equality, and opportunity for African Americans. Central New York is home to many early abolitionists and civil rights advocates.

The Syracuse Juneteenth Festival begins on Friday, June 13th, and continues on until Thursday, June 19th. Friday will kick off celebrations with the flag raising ceremony at City Hall. This event takes place at 12:00 pm, and highlights the importance of black culture, art, food, and stories from all generations. Syracuse’s Juneteenth festival is especially unique due to the celebration taking place on the grounds that were once part of the Underground Railroad.

 

Syracuse Juneteenth Celebrations

This year’s event schedule is listed below, be sure to keep up to date with Syracusejuneteenth.org as details of the event become finalized in the coming weeks.

Friday, June 13th

  • Flag Raising Ceremony - 12:00 pm | City Hall

  • Juneteenth Festival (5:00 pm - 10:00 pm) | Clinton Square

 

Saturday, June 14th

  • Victory Parade - 11:00 am | From Dunbar Center to Clinton Square

  • Festivities at Clinton Square (12:00 pm - 10:00 p.m.)

 

Thursday, June 19th

  • Juneteenth Mets vs Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Baseball Game - 6:35 pm | NBT Bank Stadium

 

Did You Know?

The Jerry Rescue Monument located in historic Clinton Square is a dedication to William “Jerry” Henry, a Freedom Seeker from Missouri. He was arrested in Syracuse and planned to be returned into slavery, until brave abolitionists worked to assist him to freedom to Kingston, Ontario.

 

The Central New York Freedom Trail is another significant historic movement. In fact, Syracuse was known as the “Great Central Depot” of the Underground Railroad of New York State. Thousands of Freedom Seekers traveled to Syracuse by canal, road, and railway on their journey to freedom. By the 1850s, Syracuse was known and celebrated as the “Free City” and the “Canada of the United States”.

 

More Syracuse Juneteenth events can be added to our calendar throughout the month on Visit Syracuse’s events page. 

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