What to know about Juneteenth in Indianapolis: events, history and how to celebrate

It was 160 years ago that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they had been freed — after the Civil War's end and two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

The resulting Juneteenth holiday — its name combining “June” and “nineteenth” — has only grown in one-and-a-half centuries. In 2021, President Joe Biden designated it a federal holiday — expanding its recognition beyond Black America.

This year will be the first Juneteenth under President Donald Trump's second administration, which has banned diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, or DEI, in the federal government. This has included removing Black American history content from federal websites. Trump officials have also discouraged some federal agencies from recognizing other racial heritage celebrations.

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun and Republican lawmakers have followed suit with actions and changes to law that limit diversity, equity and inclusion practices and programs, including ending a requirement for high schools to offer an ethnic studies course.

Indiana’s Black Legislative Caucus believe current efforts undermine progress of the Black community.

Rep. Earl Harris (D-Gary), chair of the caucus, said everyone needs to learn history so that it’s not repeated.

“That's part of what we're fighting now, is to make sure that this country doesn't go too far back, Harris told WFYI. “We wanted to continue to progress forward in a way that's best for all.”

In Indianapolis there are street festivals, fairs, concerts and other events planned throughout the holiday and this weekend. 

For beginners and those brushing up on history, here are some answers:

What is happening in Indianapolis?

There are many events happening around the city, here are some free celebrations:

Thursday, June 19

• Black Resilience in Indiana: Building on the Heritage of Survival at Indiana Landmarks Center, 6-8 p.m., 1201 Central Avenue. An in-depth program exploring how Black Hoosiers have overcome adversity and created lasting change. More information.
• Juneteenth Jubilee at Conner Prairie, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers. Family-friendly celebration with activities and rides. More information.
• Indy Juneteenth Fireworks Show at Sarkine Park in Avon. 6-10 p.m., 6575 E County Road 200 N, Avon. More information. 

Saturday, June 21

• Emancipated: A Juneteenth Celebration at Mount Carmel Church, 12-6 p.m., 9610 E. 42nd St. Community celebration, food and entertainment. More information. 
• Eiteljorg Museum Juneteenth and Jazz Celebration, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., 500 W. Washington St. Live jazz performances and cultural presentations. Free parking. More information.
• Arts for Lawrence Juneteenth Jubilee at Fort Ben Cultural Campus, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., 8920 Otis Ave. Celebration with live music, food trucks, local vendors, and family activities. More information.
• Indy Juneteenth Celebration at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 12 p.m. start, 1202 E. 38th St. The 8th annual festival includes performances, children's activities. More information.
• Indiana State Museum Juneteenth Celebration: History, Health, & The Arts, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., 650 W. Washington St. Performances and interactive activities. Free parking. More information. 

Sunday, June 22

• Crown Hill Cemetery Juneteenth Celebration, 4-8 p.m. 700 W. 38th St. Musical performances. More information.

What happened to the Indy Juneteenth parade?

The Indy Juneteenth organization couldn’t secure a city location for this year’s parade.

The 2023 parade drew thousands to downtown Indianapolis and featured more than 100 groups.

“It’s heartbreaking. You know, I really wanted it for the people. I love seeing the children celebrating their culture and learning about their culture at the same time,” James Webb,co-founder and executive director of Indy Juneteenth, said in April. “We’ve got some obstacles but we found a solution for 2026.”

After hosting the 2024 festival at White River State Park, Indy Juneteenth has partnered with the Indiana State Fairgrounds to hold the festival and parade in 2026 and 2027.

Indiana’s role in the fight for freedom

Black soldiers from Indiana’s 28th Regiment, U.S. Colored Troops, served in some of the Civil War’s most pivotal battles. In 2023, Indiana Humanities and historian Kaila Austin collaborated with WFYI to tell the story of the regiment’s legacy and the stories preserved by their descendants on the south side of Indianapolis. Watch the story here.

Is Juneteenth more of a solemn day of remembrance or a party?

It depends on what you want. Juneteenth festivities are rooted in cookouts and picnics. Originally celebrated as Black Americans’ true Independence Day, outdoor events allowed for large, raucous reunions among formerly enslaved family, many of whom had been separated. The gatherings were especially revolutionary because they were free of restrictive measures, known as “Black Codes,” enforced in Confederate states. Codes controlled whether liberated slaves could vote, buy property, gather for worship and other aspects of daily life.

Last year, the White House kicked things off early with a concert on the South Lawn for Juneteenth and Black Music Month. The atmosphere was primarily festive with Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black vice president, dancing on stage with gospel singer Kirk Franklin.

Others may choose to treat Juneteenth as a day of rest and remembrance. That can mean doing community service, attending an education panel or taking time off.

“The most important thing everyone should do is be able to quickly answer the question ‘What is Juneteenth?’” Morial said.

Are there special Juneteenth decorations or foods?

The red, black and green African Liberation Flag, also known as the Pan-African flag, has historically been displayed at both Black History Month and Juneteenth celebrations. Red represents bloodshed and sacrifice of enslaved ancestors. Black symbolizes Black people. Green represents richness of the land in Africa.

More people, however, have leaned into the Juneteenth flag created in 1997 by activist Ben Haith, who founded the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation. Like the American flag, it is red, white and blue to indicate those freed are also Americans. The five-point white star in the middle is a tribute to Juneteenth's birthplace of Texas. It is encircled by another white starry line that represents the spreading of freedom.

Aside from barbecue, the color red has been a through line for Juneteenth food for generations. Red symbolizes the bloodshed and sacrifice of enslaved ancestors. A Juneteenth menu might incorporate items like barbecued ribs or other red meat, watermelon and red velvet cake. Drinks like fruit punch and red Kool-Aid may make an appearance at the table.

Does how you celebrate Juneteenth matter if you aren’t Black?

Dr. Karida Brown, a sociology professor at Emory University whose research focuses on race, said there’s no reason to feel awkward about wanting to recognize Juneteenth just because you have no personal ties or you’re not Black. In fact, embrace it.

“I would reframe that and challenge my non-Black folks who want to lean into Juneteenth and celebrate,” Brown said. “It absolutely is your history. It absolutely is a part of your experience. ... Isn’t this all of our history? The good, the bad, the ugly, the story of emancipation and freedom for your Black brothers and sisters under the Constitution of the law.”

What are other names used to refer to Juneteenth?

Over the decades, Juneteenth has also been called Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Black Fourth of July and second Independence Day among others.

“Because 1776, Fourth of July, where we’re celebrating freedom and liberty and all of that, that did not include my descendants,” Brown said. “Black people in America were still enslaved. So that that holiday always comes with a bittersweet tinge to it.”

Is there a proper Juneteenth greeting?

It’s typical to wish people a “Happy Juneteenth” or “Happy Teenth,” according to Alan Freeman, a comedian who has organized a June 19 comedy show at Club 68, which local media has described as the last Black bar and club on Galveston Island. The day after he will host a stand-up comedy and jazz show at his Houston restaurant and lounge, the Frisky Whisky.

“You know how at Christmas people will say ‘Merry Christmas’ to each other and not even know each other?” Freeman said. “You can get a ‘Merry Christmas’ from everybody. This is the same way.”