Journey to Juneteenth 2025

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While Juneteenth (June 19) is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of emancipation, freedom was proclaimed in Florida on May 20, 1865, nearly two-years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the proclamation. One month later, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers finally arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and the enslaved were free.

The City of Gainesville’s month-long "Journey to Juneteenth" celebration, from Florida Emancipation Day (May 20) through the widely recognized Juneteenth holiday (June 19), honors the long and turbulent journey to freedom while staying true to our history of Florida Emancipation on May 20.  

A Season of Freedom: From Emancipation to National Celebration

"Silver Linings" Community Day at the Harn

31 May 2025 All ages are invited to join the Harn Museum of Art for a museum-wide celebration of "Silver Linings: Celebrating the Spelman Art Collection." Visitors can explore this exhibition that uplifts the legacy of Black artists through docent-led tours, a silk screen activity, art creation by Artist-in-Residence Jessica Clermont, dancing with a local DJ, free refreshments, and free art kits to take home.

Harn Museum of Art, 3259 Hull Rd,,  32608

Tagged as: , Community events & fundraisers, Kids & family

Special thanks to the many partners who made this celebration happen!

  • HCA Florida Healthcare
  • The Visionaires Club
  • The Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center
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