Events
đź–¤ What is Juneteenth? Celebrating Black Freedom & Culture
Juneteenth—short for June Nineteenth—is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with federal troops and issued General Order No. 3, announcing that all enslaved people were free.
For the estimated 250,000 Black people still enslaved in Texas, this was the first time they were told of their freedom. While freedom had been the law since January 1, 1863, it wasn’t enforced in remote Confederate states like Texas until Union troops physically arrived.
But Juneteenth is more than a date.
It’s a spiritual and cultural milestone. It represents:
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Delayed justice, but not denied dignity.
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A collective awakening to freedom.
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The beginning of a new fight—for land, civil rights, and equity.
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The power of Black resilience, community, and culture.
Since its origin, Juneteenth has evolved from small family cookouts and church gatherings into nationwide celebrations filled with festivals, education, music, and activism. In 2021, it was officially recognized as a federal holiday, a testament to generations of Black voices demanding that America remember and respect this part of its history.
Juneteenth and Slavery in Texas
In Texas, slavery had continued as the state experienced no large-scale fighting or significant presence of Union troops. Many enslavers from outside the Lone Star State had moved there, as they viewed it as a safe haven for slavery.
After the war came to a close in the spring of 1865, General Granger’s arrival in Galveston that June signaled freedom for Texas’s 250,000 enslaved people. Although emancipation didn’t happen overnight for everyone—in some cases, enslavers withheld the information until after harvest season—celebrations broke out among newly freed Black people, and Juneteenth was born. That December, slavery in America was formally abolished with the adoption of the 13th Amendment.
The year following 1865, freedmen in Texas organized the first of what became the annual celebration of “Jubilee Day” on June 19. In the ensuing decades, Juneteenth commemorations featured music, barbecues, prayer services and other activities, and as Black people migrated from Texas to other parts of the country the Juneteenth tradition spread.
đź“Ť Breakdown: 26 Cities with Major Juneteenth Celebrations
Southeast:
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Atlanta, GA – Huge parade, live music, family zone
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Memphis, TN – Festival on the Mississippi + fireworks
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Orlando, FL – Juneteenth 5K & educational symposiums
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Charlotte, NC – Vendor village + youth storytelling
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New Orleans, LA – Food, music, culture by the bayou
Northeast:
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Philadelphia, PA – Historic AAMP exhibits & gospel showcase
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Baltimore, MD – Spoken word, storytelling & street festival
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New York, NY – Broadway block party + family market
Midwest:
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Chicago, IL – Annual Juneteenth Parade & picnic
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Detroit, MI – Wellness walks, cultural talks, food trucks
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Cleveland, OH – Outdoor movie night + music
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St. Louis, MO – Educational workshops + parade
South:
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Houston, TX – Celebrating at historic Emancipation Park
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Dallas, TX – Deep Ellum block party & poetry
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Birmingham, AL – Health & wealth expos
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Jackson, MS – Family freedom fest + Black-owned vendors
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Louisville, KY – Parade + Black Wall Street event
West Coast & Beyond:
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Los Angeles, CA – Grand Park celebration, Black culture exhibits
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Oakland, CA – Freedom Festival & economic empowerment fair
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San Francisco, CA – Parade across Fillmore
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Denver, CO – Street fair, live jazz, unity march
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Seattle, WA – Community rally & soul food
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Phoenix, AZ – HBCU alumni cookout & music
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Minneapolis, MN – Youth dance & spoken word
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Columbus, OH – Citywide Juneteenth march
🎓 HBCUs at the Center
Many of these celebrations include HBCU marching bands, alumni chapters, student orgs, and vendor booths. From performances to education panels, HBCUs continue to be pillars in preserving the legacy of Juneteenth.
đź”— Join the Movement
đź“· Tag @THEHBCUORIGINAL
🏷️ Hashtags: #HBCUJuneteenth #Juneteenth2025 #BlackFreedom
Published by HBCU Original | June 13, 2025
Under Armour is giving HBCU pride a fashionable step forward with its latest sneaker drop and campaign celebrating Black sisterhood, Greek life, and the vibrant legacy of Maryland’s historically Black colleges.
For the launch of its newest lifestyle sneaker, the UA Echo, Under Armour partnered with Baltimore native and award-winning photographer Devin Allen to shoot the “Sisterhood in Style” campaign. The powerful visuals were brought to life on the campuses of Bowie State University and Morgan State University, spotlighting women from the first Black Greek-letter sorority in bold, expressive styles.
More than a simple product release, “Sisterhood in Style” tells a deeper story—one of culture, community, and representation. The campaign highlights tradition and individuality, showing how today’s HBCU students are redefining style on their own terms.
“More than a product spotlight, Sisterhood in Style reflects UA’s broader commitment to innovation and community—empowering the next generation to show up boldly, break boundaries, and define their own style codes,” Under Armour shared in a press release.
The new UA Echo sneaker, designed in a striking pink and green colorway, is now available online for $150—a clear nod to the heritage of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
This campaign continues Under Armour’s connection to local education institutions. Last fall, the brand also gave back to Baltimore City College and Baltimore Polytechnic Institute by donating to their athletic programs and creating custom school merchandise.
With “Sisterhood in Style,” Under Armour isn’t just releasing a sneaker—it’s recognizing the beauty, strength, and cultural impact of Black women at HBCUs. And that’s a story worth walking in.
#HBCUOriginal #SisterhoodInStyle #BowieState #MorganState #UnderArmour #BlackExcellence #GreekLife
Events
HBCU Clash at the Linc: Michael Vick’s Norfolk State vs. DeSean Jackson’s Delaware State Set for October 30
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Two Eagles legends turned HBCU head coaches are coming back to the city that made them icons — but this time, they’re calling the shots from the sidelines.
On Thursday, October 30, Lincoln Financial Field will host a historic showdown as Michael Vick’s Norfolk State Spartans face off against DeSean Jackson’s Delaware State Hornets. The former NFL teammates — known for electrifying fans during their time with the Philadelphia Eagles — now lead two of the most respected HBCU football programs. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, June 17 at 10 AM at Ticketmaster.com.
“For years, Vick and Jackson gave Philly highlight after highlight,” said Frank Gumienny, COO of the Eagles. “Now, they’re creating a legacy off the field, shaping young lives and elevating HBCU culture. We’re honored to host this game at Lincoln Financial Field.”
Both Vick and Jackson are stepping into their inaugural seasons as college head coaches. Jackson, who famously walked off with the “Miracle at the Meadowlands” in 2010, now brings that same spark to Delaware State. “Being at Delaware State is about transformation — for me and for the students,” said Jackson. “This game is more than football. It’s a cultural moment for HBCUs and a life-changing opportunity for our scholar-athletes.”
Vick, who earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2010, echoed the sentiment. “The Linc holds unforgettable memories for me,” he said. “To return as a head coach is surreal, and to do it alongside my brother DeSean is even more special. This is about showcasing what our HBCUs are building.”
More than just a game, the event will include programming focused on career readiness, work-based learning, and networking opportunities — all designed to empower students both on and off the field.
“This isn’t just a game, it’s a platform,” said Dr. Tony Allen, President of Delaware State, and Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, President of Norfolk State, in a joint statement. “We’re shining a light on the excellence and return on investment HBCUs deliver every day.”
Dr. Melody Webb, Athletic Director at Norfolk State, added, “This is a statement moment for HBCU football. Our players, coaches, and institutions deserve to be seen on a national stage, and this game gives us just that.”
Presented by the Philadelphia Eagles, this matchup represents the power of HBCU pride, legacy, and future — all under the lights at one of the NFL’s most iconic venues.
Source: Adapted from original coverage by PhiladelphiaEagles.com
Events
Roots Picnic 2025 Day 2: The Roots, Meek Mill, Lenny Kravitz, CeeLo Green & Backyard Band Rock Philly
Day 2 was a MOVIE. From legendary acts to hometown love — the energy was on 100 all day!
🔥 The Roots took their stage to another level, backed by surprise moments and that signature Philly soul.
🎺 Go-Go Backyard Band x CeeLo Green gave us that D.C. bounce with a soulful twist.
🎤 Meek Mill shut it down with a performance that had the whole crowd screaming “Dreams & Nightmares!”
🎸 Lenny Kravitz brought the rockstar fire — pure artistry.
HBCU Original was back in the mix, covering every unforgettable moment and repping the culture loud and proud.
đź’Ą Roots Picnic 2025 = history in motion.
👉🏾 More info & lineup: therootspicnic.com
#HBCUOriginal, #RootsPicnic2025, #TheRoots, #MeekMill, #LennyKravitz, #CeeLoGreen, #GoGoBackyardBand, #PhillyVibes, #BlackCulture, #OnSetWithHBCUOriginal
Events
The Roots Picnic 2025 Day One Recap: Maxwell, Latto, GloRilla, Jeezy & Musiq Soulchild Bring the Heat
The vibes were real, and the performances? Next level. 🔥
Maxwell, Latto, GloRilla, Musiq Soulchild, Jeezy, and more lit up the stage and gave the crowd unforgettable moments.
HBCU Original was on the scene, covering the event, connecting with the culture, and watching a few of the dopest performances of the night. 🎥🎙️
Let’s talk about it — Latto tore the set UP! Her energy, crowd control, and presence were undeniable. One of the most talked-about sets of the night.
Catch the full lineup and stay in the loop 👉🏾 therootspicnic.com
🎶 This was just Day One. More vibes to come!
#HBCUOriginal #RootsPicnic2025 #Latto #Maxwell #GloRilla #MusiqSoulchild #Jeezy #LiveMusic #BlackCulture #OnSetWithHBCUOriginal
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