Black history is deeply woven into Mobile’s past. Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) is celebrated as the day that the last enslaved African Americans were emancipated. Join Mobile in honoring Juneteenth by celebrating at local festivals, visiting local exhibits and shopping with Black-owned businesses.  

 

Events

  • Juneteenth Celebration: On Wednesday, June 19, join the City of Mobile in celebrating financial wellness and entrepreneurship with guest speaker, Dr. Shana Lewis. Attendees can attend breakout sessions on retirement, insurance and investing and will have access to other valuable resources. In addition, enjoy featured entertainment by the Mobile Alabama Africatown Drummers. Come out and join us for a fun, free and informative event!

  • Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom: On Saturday, June 22, celebrate Black culture at the Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom in downtown Prichard. Enjoy a day full of family-fun activities, a parade and shopping with local vendors. Live performances from Mult n Funk Band and The Jukebox will be open for guests to enjoy throughout the day.

  • Wayne Curtis and the Mobile Alabama Africatown Drummers at Mobile Public Library: From June 10-13, catch a performance from Wayne Curtis and the Mobile Alabama Africatown Drummers at a Mobile Public Library location near you. Get a completely hands-on experience and learn about African and Afro Caribbean rhythms and their impact on today’s music.

 

Opportunities to Explore Mobile’s Black History

  • Historic Avenue Cultural Center: For decades, Davis Avenue (now Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue) was a hub for African-American businesses, schools and culture during segregation. When Urban Renewal took priority in the 1970s, the area suffered and still has not returned to its former glory. View pictures of the neighborhood and listen to former-residents recall memories of when “the Avenue” was in its prime and how efforts are being made to revitalize the area.

  • Africatown Heritage House: Did you know that the last slave ship to enter the US docked in Mobile? 110 enslaved Africans were transported from west Africa and brought to The Port City aboard the Clotilda over 150 years after the slave trade was banned in the United States. At Africatown Heritage House, the stories of the 110 survivors and their journey to liberation paint the walls. Experience the rich history of Juneteenth at Africatown Heritage House, where stories of resilience and freedom come to life, Discover the vibrant culture and heritage that established the Africatown community. 

  • Dora Franklin Finley African American Heritage Trail: Mobile has so many landmarks that are home to some of the most monumental events and people in history. Each walking tour or bus tour provides a curated glance into Mobile’s Black History. Hank Hank Aaron’s Playground and Park, Creole Fire Station #1 and Unity Point are some of the many points of interests on these tours.   

  • Black-owned shopping at Urban Emporium: Shop with Black-owned independent retailers this Juneteenth!

    • Thick by Tiffanie Boutique and Africkytown EBI Products both offer a variety of clothes, accessories and trinkets to shop from.  

  • Restaurants: Mobile has plenty of Black-owned restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re craving a delicious brunch or juicy and mouth-watering BBQ, Mobile has plenty of options. Here is a small list to include in your experience:

Check out a full list of restaurants, eateries and diners in Mobile, visit our restaurants page.

We encourage you to celebrate and honor Black history in Mobile this Juneteenth and beyond.