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Arizona Republic
Juneteenth commemorates the abolition of slavery in the United States.
The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 declared that enslaved persons in Confederate states were to be freed. But that news did not travel fast.
It wasn't until June 19, 1865, that U.S. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 informing Texas residents that slavery was no longer legal and all enslaved people were now free.
President Joe Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021.
But even before that, Juneteenth commemorations have been happening across the country and throughout Arizona to celebrate Black history, culture, achievements and excellence.
Here's what to know about Juneteenth 2025 in Arizona and where to celebrate.
When is Juneteenth 2025?
Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?
Yes, Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States.
When was Juneteenth made a federal holiday?
On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden made Juneteenth the 11th American federal holiday.
Is Juneteenth always on June 19th?
Yes, Juneteenth is always on June 19.
Why is it called Juneteenth?
The Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863 but didn't immediately take effect in places still under Confederate control, including Texas.
On June 19, 1865, 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, to announce that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas were free. The name Juneteenth arose from that.
Where was the first Juneteenth celebration?
According to Juneteenth.com, some of the earliest commemorations of Juneteenth involved prayer, family gatherings and pilgrimages to Galveston by former slaves and their descendants.
How to celebrate Juneteenth 2025 in metro Phoenix
Tempe: Juneteenth Paper Freedom Quilt
Quilts have a long history of telling stories, preserving traditions and symbolizing freedom. In honor of that heritage, the Tempe Public Library will host a Juneteenth program at which attendees will design paper quilt squares to be combined into a display inspired by historical quilt patterns and their meanings.
Details: 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, June 18. Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Road. Free. tempepubliclibrary.com.
Tempe: Juneteenth Celebration
The Arizona Heritage Center Tempe will host a Juneteenth celebration with discussions, storytelling, performances and two afternoon genealogy workshops. Refreshments will be available.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 21. Arizona Heritage Center, 1300 N. College Ave., Tempe. Free. arizonahistoricalsociety.org.
Tempe: Juneteenth Celebration
The African-American Advisory Committee will present the annual Juneteenth Celebration at the Tempe History Museum. This free, family-friendly event will have activities, performances, vendors, story time, police and fire vehicles, food trucks and more.
Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Tempe History Museum, 809 E. Southern Ave., Tempe. Free. tempe.gov.
Goodyear: Juneteenth Family Day
Celebrate freedom, community and culture at the Goodyear Recreation Campus. There will be speeches, live performances and activities along with local businesses and food vendors. Outdoor activities begin at 5 p.m.; indoor activities begin at 6 p.m.
Details: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Goodyear Recreation Campus, 420 Estrella Parkway. Free. goodyearaz.gov.
Chandler: Freedom Week
Chandler Freedom Week presents Culture Music in the Park with Vaughn Willis & Ear Candy, hosted by the newly crowned Ms. Juneteenth. Attendees can eat barbecue and soul food from Kravins Food Truck, cool off with OMG Shaved Ice and enjoy a free photo booth.
Details: 7-9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. chandleraz.gov.
Phoenix: Valley of the Sun Juneteenth Celebration
Celebrate Juneteenth at historical Eastlake Park with entertainment by DJ Rampage, the School of Hip Hop and more. Scholarship awards and a history of Juneteenth will be presented on the indoor stage.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Eastlake Park, 1549 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix. Free. azifoundation.wixsite.com.
Tempe: Juneteenth Block Party
The downtown Tempe bock party, emceed by Teri Tobin, will have a spoken word performance from Urban Poet and DJ Panic. DJ AKSHEN will spin tunes all night. Furious Styles Crew will hit the dance floor for some 1 v. 1 dance battles and SouthWest Steppaz will put a fresh take on classic line dancing. There will be food and beverage vendors too.
Details: 7-11 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Centerpoint Plaza, 660-740 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. Free. downtowntempe.com.
Meredith G. White covers entertainment, art and culture for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. She writes the latest news about video games, television and best things to do in metro Phoenix.