Juneteenth 2023: Where to celebrate in Rochester

Kayla Canne, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Updated ·4 min read
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At Save Rochester's inaugural Juneteenth poetry slam in 2020, 13-year-old Adriannah Thurman took the stage hoping her presence would inspire others to also start speaking up for change.

Kids want to be heard, she said at the time. Adults do, too.

"It takes one to uplift them and show you don't have to be scared," Thurman said.

That tradition of empowering community voices continues this year with Save Rochester's fourth annual youth poetry slam, held in honor of Juneteenth, a national holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

J'Manuel Cortes performs his poetry during a poetry slam competitions at a Juneteenth celebration at Highland Bowl in 2020.
J'Manuel Cortes performs his poetry during a poetry slam competitions at a Juneteenth celebration at Highland Bowl in 2020.

"The art of spoken word is something that is very unique to our culture," said organizer Mike Johnson. "There are a lot of stories and fables that are passed down through tradition. And then there's the education piece ― giving students the agency to educate the public and be vulnerable on stage, talk about their feelings."

This year the poetry slam will be held alongside the city's Juneteenth celebration, which kicks off with a parade at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 17, beginning at Chestnut and Court streets in downtown Rochester.

Following the parade, a festival from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park will include a performance by national recording artist Lil' Mo, family-friendly activities and a spotlight on local Black-owned businesses.

Festivals not your vibe? Here are other ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Rochester:

More: Rochester's 2023 Juneteenth celebration returns June 17. What to know

Let's move

Roc Freedom Riders will hold its annual Juneteenth bike brigade, kicking off from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 17. The ride is free, but RSVP in advance here.

A 5K run/walk will also be held at Genesee Valley Park at 1 p.m., Monday, June 19. Registration is $25 in advance or $30 on race day. Funds from the event will support the construction of Civil Rights Heritage Park, an outdoor classroom. A post-race celebration will include light refreshments, a Juneteenth jazz concert and local vendors.

Explore the culture of Juneteenth at area museums

The Strong National Museum of Play will offer free admission on Saturday, June 17, in partnership with the Greater Rochester Martin Luther King Jr. Commission. Families can enjoy performances by Womba Africa and Dreamseeds, storytelling by Almeta Whitis and a museum-wide Black history artifact tour.

Two women hold a Black Liberation flag during the 2022 Juneteenth celebration at MLK park in downtown Rochester.
Two women hold a Black Liberation flag during the 2022 Juneteenth celebration at MLK park in downtown Rochester.

The Genesee Country Village and Museum will honor Juneteenth with special programming Saturday, June 17. The museum will host an exhibit of 19th-century skilled trades and stories of Black Americans and share culinary traditions from Juneteenth celebrations and recipes from Malinda Russell, the first known Black female published cookbook author. Tickets range from $12-18.

The Rochester Museum and Science Center will host a free celebration for families featuring local performances, music, face painting, ice cream and more from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, June 19, at the Eisenhart Auditorium.

Enjoy a bit of Juneteenth history

Rock Hope Fellowship will host a Juneteenth play and fashion show titled, "Why me? Why Black? A journey to freedom" on Monday, June 19, at 575 Hayward Ave. in Rochester. Seating for the 7 p.m. show is limited, so be sure to reserve tickets in advance.

Members of the Blackstorytelling League of Rochester will share the history of Juneteenth and celebrations throughout the years during community discussions. The first will be held at Penfield Public Library from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 15. Register for the event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-celebration-tickets-635436326157?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. Another discussion will be held at the Rochester Public Library's Central Library from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 17, and streamed on YouTube. Register at https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/9709358.

Find performances in Rochester-area towns

Freedom Day in Irondequoit: E.R.A.S.E, a local group focused on ending racism, will host its annual Juneteenth event at Irondequoit Town Hall from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 17, The event will feature live music, a video gaming mobile truck, performances from East Irondequoit's step team and drumline, and shopping at Black-owned vendors.

Opera singer Kearstin Piper Brown will be joining residents in Pittsford for a performance titled, "Songs of Harriet Tubman." The event will take place at Garen Peace Gardens at Nazareth University on Saturday June 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will also be a community art show at the Shults Community Center and a spoken word performance by Rev. Angela Bamford.

Connect with resources long after the holiday passes

Freedom is also about uplifting yourself and your community. That's the theme of a resource festival held by the Young Child Wellness and Brothers and Sisters Unisex Salon that will keep celebrations going the weekend following Juneteenth, Saturday, June 24, from noon to 7 p.m. at 1274 Dewey Ave. in Rochester.

The event will connect parents to childcare resources, support groups and anti-violence initiatives while providing family fun in the form of bounce houses, local vendors, dance battles, poetry readings and other live entertainment.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 10 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Rochester in 2023