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Annual Utica Juneteenth Celebration

This legacy in American History represents the heritage, pride, and courage of freedom for African Americans who were not fully emancipated or integrated into the American dream of freedom. Its observance is a reminder of the importance of promoting and protecting social justice and human rights for all.  

Juneteenth is a historic event celebrating the abolition of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865, the day when the Emancipation Proclamation finally made its way to the far reaches of the Country and freed many of the remaining enslaved Black Americans — more than two years after slavery was abolished on paper. Juneteenth is also recognized as Freedom Day or Black Independence Day.  

Juneteenth came to Utica through the vision of Robbie Dancy, former MUNPC event coordinator, who believed then and now that far too many people are unaware of this National holiday. This event combines programming from a few holidays which Dancy previously coordinated: including Black Heritage Day and Black Music Month.

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A Special Thanks To Our Sponsors!

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ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

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Soulkeyz is a Syracuse native R&B / Soul

  cover band with music ranging from

    contemporary to Motown. This dynamic

     band will get you ready to dance, sing,

       laugh, and enjoy yourself!

Entertaining the public since 2012, Trumptight 315 is a proudly old-school R&B Funk band with a twist, bringing you the smooth and funky sounds of Motown and more! 

Kickoff Tribute to Robbie Dancy

12:15-1pm

1-1:30pm

Featured DJ

Senior Group Zumba Demonstration

by Bessie Hicks

12pm

1:30-3:30pm

3:30pm

Vendor Group Photo

3:45-5pm

"All Talent" Talent Show

5-6pm

Poetry Readings, Spoken Word

& More Vocal Performances

6-8pm

Kemble Park | Sat June 21

COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR 

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Back 2 Bricks: Gold Bass & Washington Courts

Thurs 6/19

A community day of remembrance at St. Matthews Temple Church of God in Christ. Featuring Catalina Food Truck onsite. Bringing your own lunch is also encouraged!

Enjoy fellowship, family tree displays, storytelling and more. Open to the public and free to attend.

12–3pm

Fri 6/20

Fish Fry & Fundraiser

MUNPC’s first Fish Fry Fundraiser of the year will be held at St. Paul’s church. Pre-sale tickets available, walk ups are also welcome. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Jill Voss at (315) 941-0837. The cost is $17 and open to the public.

12–4pm

Community Gospel Concert

6-8pm

Come check out and support our Baptist Church choir as they sing about celebrating freedom. Suggested donation of $5 to support St. Paul's Church and the performers 

Juneteenth Celebration

Sat 6/21

Join us at Kemble Park for the 9th Annual Juneteenth Celebration brought to you by MUNPC! We will kick off the event with a Juneteenth Basketball Challenge featuring 10 teams starting at 10:00 am. Enjoy live music, delicious food for purchase, local vendors, community organizations, cultural festivities, and a fun-filled Kids Zone. Free and open to the public!

12–8pm

Check Out Our Past Juneteenth Celebrations

Interested in supporting Utica's Juneteenth?

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Sign up to become a volunteer, a vendor or learn about sponsorship opportunities for our Kemble Park event!

Call Leslie Pasco at (315)520-8377

or

Jill Voss at (315)941-0837

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