Empire State Review Team 
New Yorkers commemorated Juneteenth with a series of events celebrating Black culture, history, and resilience. From parades in Harlem to educational programs at the Schomburg Center, the city came alive with tributes to the day enslaved people in Texas learned of their emancipation in 1865.
Mayor Eric Adams participated in the annual Juneteenth Freedom Parade in Brooklyn, where he announced a new initiative to support Black-owned businesses. The “Black Prosperity NYC” program will provide $50 million in grants, loans, and technical assistance to entrepreneurs from underserved communities.
“Juneteenth is a time to reflect on our history, but also to take action toward a more equitable future,” Adams said during his remarks. “This program is about closing the racial wealth gap and creating opportunities for Black New Yorkers.”
Cultural institutions across the city hosted special programming, including live music, art exhibitions, and panel discussions on racial justice. The Apollo Theater in Harlem held a sold-out concert featuring renowned artists such as Alicia Keys and John Legend, while the Brooklyn Museum showcased an exhibit on African American contributions to contemporary art.
Activists used the occasion to highlight ongoing racial disparities in housing, education, and healthcare. “Juneteenth reminds us of how far we’ve come, but also how far we still have to go,” said Tamika Mallory, a prominent civil rights advocate.
The city declared Juneteenth an official holiday in 2021, and participation in this year’s events was at an all-time high, reflecting its growing importance as a day of celebration and reflection.
