Juneteenth: Celebrations planned in New Mexico
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Juneteenth is Monday, June 19, but people celebrated all weekend in New Mexico, including at Civic Plaza, with entertainment, food and more.
The Civic Plaza celebration’s theme was “Young, Black and Free-ish,” featuring the debut of Janae Heffenger’s film, “Being Black in New Mexico.” Over 30 artists performed Friday through Sunday.
The festivities kicked off Friday, 4-10 p.m., with Khalisol headlining.
Six-time Grammy-nominated jazz group The Baylor Project and The Chocolate Factory drag artists performed Saturday.
A Father’s Day tribute took Sunday from 2-7 p.m. The God’s House Church, New Mexico Mass Choir and others performed.
Black Americans have celebrated Juneteenth for generations. It marks the day when the last enslaved people in the United States learned they were free.
2021 was the first time Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday.
For more information on the events planned, click here.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham also shared some other Juneteenth celebrations that will be held around the state.
Juneteenth has been a state holiday since 2006. I am proud, once again, to see celebrations across our state.
— Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (@GovMLG) June 16, 2023
I encourage everyone to take time not only to celebrate, but to reflect on our history and how we move forward collectively to build a more just and equitable world. pic.twitter.com/LlhJm3DySB
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