Savannah's Juneteenth Celebrations Honor Ancestors, Charting a Bright Future

Since Juneteenth became an official federal holiday in 2021, communities around the country have organized to celebrate the day, which is filled with pride for many Black Americans―their Independence Day.

On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, became the last to learn about the Emancipation but the first to celebrate the holiday that would become Juneteenth. Those festivities included a prayer service, speakers with inspirational messages, reading of the Emancipation Proclamation and more.

Though some cities have canceled their Juneteenth celebrations, the greater Savannah area is continuing this celebration of heritage.

Pooler Juneteenth Celebrations

Pooler has two Juneteenth celebrations, an annual festival held at Tanger Outlets, featuring special guest speakers, live entertainment, activities for kids, food trucks and vendors. The festival will be on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a rain day of Sunday, June 15.

The other celebration is an annual run, which is at the Pooler Stadium, 200 Preston Stokes Drive, on Thursday, June 19. The run starts at 7 a.m., with a rain date of Saturday, June 21.

More information, poolerjuneteenth.org .

Savannah African Art Museum

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, the Savannah African Art Museum will hold its fifth annual Juneteenth Celebration. During the event, Storyteller Adrienne Reynolds will have two African and African Diaspora story times.

The museum will also offer free self-guided tours, community resource tables, a community art project and a featured vendor who will sell various pieces of art and jewelry.

Make your plans at savannahafricanartmuseum.org/public-events-1/juneteenth .

TybeeMLK Juneteenth wade-in

On Juneteenth, TybeeMLK will hold its 11th annual Juneteenth wade-in next to the pier. The program begins at 9 a.m., but organizers encourage attendees to arrive by 8:30 a.m. The ceremony includes storytelling by Gullah Geechee leaders, singing, dancing and praying before wading into the ocean.

Patt Gunn and The Saltwata Players will lead event-goers to the water.

More information: tybeeisland.com/event/tybeemlk-11th-annual-juneteenth-wade-in .

Savannah Juneteenth Fine Arts Festival

Savannah’s annual Juneteenth Fine Arts Festival is a showcase for music art and culture from around the world. This festival is a multi-day affair, with cultural events and different venues to get your fill.

Festivities begin at 5 p.m. on June 19, in Daffin Park with a fireworks show at nightfall. This event is free to the public and will feature giveaways, live performances, food trucks and more.

At 4 p.m. on June 21 in Forsyth Park, the city hosts an arts and crafts festival with more live music, dance and visual arts to capture the spirit of Black heritage and the holiday.

For more information and a full schedule of events, go to savannahjuneteenthfestival.com .

Port Wentworth Juneteenth Celebrations

Port Wentworth is hosting its annual Juneteenth celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. on June 20, at 100 Lakeside Blvd. It’s a free event, featuring a special performance by MegaFly, an R&B, soul and funk cover band from Atlanta.

Get the full schedule of events at City of Port Wentworth’s Third Annual Juneteenth Celebration.

Destini Ambus is the general assignment reporter for the Savannah Morning News, covering the municipalities, and community and cultural programs. You can reach her at DAmbus@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah area Juneneeth celebrations honor the ancestors, look to the future