Experience Unity, Culture, and Community at the Delmar Loop’s All-Day Juneteenth Celebration

by Grayling Holmes / photos compliments of The True Life Trifecta

In preparation for the federal holiday on Wednesday, June 19th, people from near and far will be jumping for joy to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. The pre-celebration takes place on Saturday, June 16th in the Delmar Loop in University City in St. Louis.

The name Juneteenth comes from a combination of June & 19th in recognition of the date June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger carried out the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas. Juneteenth became a federally recognized holiday in 2021.

The national reckoning over race ignited by the 2020 murder of George Floyd by police helped set the stage for Juneteenth to become the first new federal holiday since 1983, when Martin Luther King Jr. Day was created.

The holiday has also been called Juneteenth Independence Day, Fredon Day, second Independence Day, and Emancipation Day. It began with church picnics and speeches, and spread as Black Texans moved elsewhere.

Celebrated on the eve of the 2024 Summer Solstice, the “fruits” of the season are available in abundance and relished during parties now held nationwide on or near this special day. Summer fruits like strawberries and watermelon, for example, are in peak season during Juneteenth. Red drinks like hibiscus tea and strawberry sodas are customary at celebrations. Sweet fruits and drinks mirror the sweet smell of total emancipation that occurred nationwide when the final state let freedom ring and the physical shackles of America’s long-enslaved populations be released. Red velvet cake and BBQ dripping in sweet red barbecue sauce sits on the tongues of gleeful Juneteenth revelers at community celebrations

2024 Delmar Loop morning to night Pre-Celebration of Juneteenth

The Delmar Loop invites everyone to gather for a vibrant Pre-Juneteenth Celebration on June 15th, marking the beginning of Juneteenth festivities in style. One can expect to experience a blend of wellness, vendors, and fun in the Delmar Loop. This year, four organizations are coming together to curate an unforgettable event. Delmar Boulevard, a longstanding symbol of division, is transcending its historical barriers as both sides of the Delmar Loop - University City and St. Louis City, along with Delmar Main Street and the St. Louis Reconciliation Network - unite their efforts to create an extraordinary Juneteenth festival experience. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to fostering unity, celebrating diversity, and commemorating the significance of Juneteenth.

5K Race for Reconciliation

The festivities kick off with a spirited 5K race/walk from University City Hall to DeBaliviere Ave. and back, starting at 8:30 AM. Participants will traverse the scenic route of Delmar Blvd., formerly recognized as a social, economic, and racial divide, and celebrate the unity and progress that has occurred here.

Vendor Fair & Artistic Delights

After the race, Loop visitors can dive into a vibrant Vendor Fair showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurship of vendors and artists located at the Tivoli Parking Lot. People can explore an array of offerings while engaging in family-friendly activities.

Evening Celebration:

As the sun sets, an Evening Celebration at 5900 Delmar will take place. The commemoration of the holiday at dusk will be filled with captivating performances. Festival goers can groove to African Dance by Spirit of Angela and the soulful tunes of Red Black & Brass Band. With DJ KP keeping the energy high all night. Most assuredly, it will be an unforgettable party.

To top off the evening one can catch the exciting car show in the Delmar Loop Trolley Parking lot!

Join the festivities on Saturday, June 15th for an unforgettable celebration that honors the spirit of Juneteenth and sets the stage for a weekend of commemoration and reflection. Find more information at www.visittheloop.com/events.