Lower Manhattan’s African Burial Ground Celebrates the Black Experience This Juneteenth

Sunday, June 19, marks Juneteenth, a day to commemorate the effective end of slavery in the United States. To honor this day, on June 18 the National Park Service is hosting a series of free events, from lectures to live music, at the African Burial Ground National Monument (290 Broadway, between Duane and Reade Streets). From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the holiday will be celebrated with the following: 

• 10 a.m.: Remarks, libation, drumming and singing with Eric Frazier and Professor V.K. Pearson 
• 10:15 a.m.: Speaker Dr. Lynda Day 
• 11 a.m.: Ranger-led tour 
• 11:30 a.m.: Terrance L. Kennedy and the Reach Music Ministry 
• 12 p.m.: Tap dancing with Gerson, accompanied by a live band 
• 12:30 p.m.: Spoken word and drumming 
• 1 p.m.: Sorority and fraternity step 
• 1:30 p.m.: Speaker Dr. Eleanor Drabo 
• 2 p.m.: Ranger-led tour 
• 2:30 p.m.: Singing with Kristina Nicole Miller 
• 3:00 pm: Live music with Roz Brown and Friends 
• 4 p.m.: Closing remarks

In the case of inclement weather, the events will be held on the 30th floor of 290

Broadway.

For more information about the park, read our explainer on how the African Burial Ground was transformed from construction site to national landmark. 

photo: iStock