Four Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth in Utah this Year

Though celebrated in Utah and across the United States for over a century, this Juneteenth marks its fourth year as a federally recognized holiday and its third year as an official state holiday. Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery on June 19, 1865, is both an important piece of Black history and an opportunity to celebrate Black communities today. Learn more about four Juneteenth events happening in Utah this year, from the 35th Annual Juneteenth Freedom and Heritage Festival in Ogden to a brand-new Juneteenth Freedom 5K Run/Walk in Woods Cross!

35th Annual Juneteenth Freedom and Heritage Festival

Friday, June 14 from 4:00–9:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16 from 12:00–9:00 p.m.
Ogden City Amphitheater | 343 E 25th St, Ogden, UT
projectsuccessinc.org | juneteenthutah.org 

“Ogden is the center of so much Black history that’s yet to be explored and shared,” says Betty Sawyer, Executive Director of Project Success Coalition, a not-for-profit organization based in Ogden that organizes the event each year. She explains that the Union Pacific Railroad, Hill Air Force Base and Weber State University all “helped open the doors of migration to Utah.” Now in its 35th year, the Juneteenth Freedom and Heritage Festival is bigger than ever, with an abundance of Black music, arts, food, dance and more. 

National headliners include hardcore hip-hop artist Pastor Troy, R&B singer and rapper J. Holiday and gospel legend Myron Butler. They will perform alongside the George Brown Jazz Ensemble and other local artists who engage in poetry, dance and spoken word. “Our enslaved ancestors depended heavily upon their creativity, [or] ‘Kuumba,’ to keep them going; to find hope in the midst of darkness and despair,” Sawyer explains. In that spirit, the festival will feature a Kuumba (Creativity) Village with arts and crafts, games, reading and storytelling. As part of their mission to support Black youth and families, Sawyer adds that there will also be a Black History Treasure Hunt and STEM activities for kids to participate in.

The theme for this year’s festival is “Freedom… The Struggle Continues.” Sawyer says, “I envision Juneteenth will continue to grow and be celebrated in every city throughout the state of Utah.” She hopes that “the Juneteenth message of freedom, unity, healing and reconciliation, like Black history, will be embraced 365 days a year.”

Juneteenth Jubilee Day Party

Sunday, June 16 from 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Millcreek Common | 1354 E Chambers Ave, Millcreek, UT
oursundaysslc.com/jubileedayparty | millcreekcommon.org/juneteenth 

“While this is the first year [of] this event, we’re excited to see how it resonates with the community,” says Domeda Duncan, co-founder of OurSundays, an organization created to support the retention of Black people living in Utah. The Juneteenth Jubilee Day Party is a collaborative 21+ event between OurSundays and Millcreek Common, with a goal of “highlight[ing] Black creatives across passions.” 

New York-based DJ Chelsea Nettai will mix a host of sounds, from hip-hop and R&B to Afrobeats and jazz. “We’re working with a local chef to create a selection of soulful bites,” Duncan says, including catfish and chicken and waffles. Other food trucks, including Balabé Senegalese Cuisine and Jamaica’s Kitchen, will also serve food. Local sketch artist EMK Creations will be creating live art, alongside other vendors in the Black-owned market. “We hope people feel our intentionality,” Duncan says. Attendees can also watch a local fashion runway show and participate in free skating at the Millcreek Common skate rink. 

OutSundays first started as a small holiday gathering in 2021 and quickly blossomed into a much larger community-building organization that hosts karaoke, skiing and cookouts for Black Utahns. “June 19, 1865 was a long time ago, but the spirit of celebration continues,” Duncan says, “and more importantly, this date serves as a reminder of how important joy is for all of us. It keeps us moving forward.” Tickets start at $25 and OurSundays anticipates that the event will sell out early, so grab yours in advance!

Juneteenth Freedom 5K Run/Walk

Monday, June 17 at 9:00 a.m.
Legacy Park | 1140 W 1100 N, Woods Cross, UT
bpou.org | eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-5k-freedom-runwalk

For those who are looking to celebrate with a more athletic activity, Black Physicians of Utah (BPOU) is hosting their inaugural Juneteenth 5K Freedom Run/Walk in Woods Cross. “Celebrating Juneteenth intersects with BPOU’s heart health initiative to educate and empower our community to prevent [and] manage heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S.,” says Executive Director Rebecca Adams, MPH. “Not only that, but death [by heart disease] occurs in Black Americans at a 30% higher rate than in the non-Black population.”

The 5K is open to avid runners and casual participants alike, who can enjoy a raffle, prizes for top finishers, refreshments and beats from DJ Afrolicious. Adams emphasizes the importance of running for mental health as well as physical exercise: “Within the Black community, mental health can be difficult to navigate due to socioeconomic disparities, the stigma of mental illness and provider bias,” she says. BPOU’s Mental Wellness Alliance aims to address these issues by providing culturally competent Black therapists to the community, and their running group, “Brothas that Run,” meets regularly to build connections while improving health.

The Freedom 5K Run/Walk is a step toward reducing racialized health inequities in Utah. “Historically, the Black community has been mistreated and misled by the medical community,” Adams says. BPOU was founded in 2021 to “bridge the gaps of need for physicians of color,” mentoring Black students who want to study medicine and providing support for the local Black community in healthcare. Register for the 5K for $10 and support BPOU’s mission!

Salt Lake Juneteenth 

Tuesday, June 18 from 8:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m.
Wednesday, June 19 from 12:00–10:00 p.m.
The Gateway | 400 W 200 S
saltlakejuneteenth.org | instagram.com/saltlakejuneteenth 

“Black joy is a powerful and affirming concept within our community, representing resilience, celebration and the reclamation of happiness despite historical and ongoing adversity,” says Jasmine Wheeler, Operations Coordinator at Beloved Community. This volunteer-run nonprofit is organizing the 2024 Salt Lake Juneteenth celebration, taking place over two days at The Gateway for its fourth year. “By centering and celebrating Black joy, we honor our heritage, nurture our mental and emotional well-being and cultivate hope and inspiration for future generations,” she says. 

On Tuesday, or Juneteenth Eve, dress to impress in all-black attire for a multi-genre soundscape featuring DJ Joune, the official in-house DJ for the Utah Jazz NBA team, as well as DJ Teo and DJ Bangarang. On Wednesday, the official day of Juneteenth, attendees can enjoy a Black-owned business expo and Black art gallery, along with food vendors and kid-centered activities. “I’m incredibly excited for Eats Bakery,” Wheeler says, a husband and wife team that will be selling their delicious, nutritious vegan pastries. Both days are entirely free to attend!

Children are a priority for Beloved Community, who is collaborating with Discovery Gateway and the Salt Lake City Public Library to provide fun for the whole family. “Be sure to bring swimsuits for the kids,” Wheeler adds, so they can play in the water fountains at The Gateway. “With a diverse gathering of people, this festival is not only a chance to honor our past but also to create joyous memories together,” she says. “Join us to celebrate the strength and unity of our community!”