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

Freedom Monologues & Open Mic Juneteenth Celebration — Spend the evening at Africatown Heritage House for the Freedom Monologues & Open Mic Night Juneteenth Celebration from 5–7:30 p.m. This inspiring event blends storytelling, poetry and creative expression through original performances exploring freedom through the Black experience. Guests can also enjoy spoken word from local artists, including Mobile Poet Laureate Alex “Huggy Bear” Lofton, with opportunities to take the mic and share their own work. Admission is free, so bring a chair, grab a bite from Short Dogs food truck and experience an evening of reflection and community.

MAMGA Fest: A Juneteenth Celebration Block Party — On Saturday, June 20, join the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association in celebrating community and culture with guest speakers, food, music and more. This event promises family-friendly fun, activities and more. ​

City of Mobile's Juneteenth Celebration — Celebrate culture, community and freedom at the City of Mobile’s annual Juneteenth Celebration at Mardi Gras Park on June 19 from 3–6 p.m. The afternoon will feature live entertainment, family-friendly activities and vibrant performances, including the Afro-Brazilian Carnival Dance & Drumming group Casa Samba. Guests can also enjoy music from DJ Geaux, face painting and more during this lively downtown celebration.

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Stay tuned for more Juneteenth events!

 

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.

  • Mobile's Black History & Culture Trail: Experience the landmarks and moments that are integral to Mobile's Black community and overall legacy at each stop along the Mobile's Black History & Culture Trail. While you're here, check out all of the Mobile Trail Mix options. 

  • 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.   

  • Supporting Black-Owned Businesses: Black-owned businesses thrive in Mobile. Whether you're dining at The Breakfast Spot, embarking on a Dora Franklin Finley African American Heritage Trail tour or catching a performance from the Excelsior Band, you're experiencing a bit of magic that makes the Port City special.

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