Juneteenth observed across the country with new interest, urgency – NBC News
TULSA, Okla. Millions of Americans on Friday observed Juneteenth, a holiday to mark the end of slavery in the United States that has taken on a new urgency following the national uproar over the killings of George Floyd and other African Americans by police.
And for many marking the day, it was the first time.
Juneteenth deliberately downplayed for generations by a U.S. educational system unwilling to focus on that heinous history and uninterested in the accomplishments of Black Americans is suddenly in the spotlight as the nation faces another racial reckoning.
Multiple bills have been introduced to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.
And because of concerns about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many events are being held online, like the Juneteenth Music Festival in Denver or the Juneteenth Virtual Community Day in Hartford, Connecticut.
In Florida, where the state broke its record for single-day coronavirus cases with 3,822 new infections Friday, "socially distanced" picnics were planned in Tampa, St. Petersburg and other hard hit locations.
The Rev. Al Sharpton will be the keynote speaker at a Juneteenth rally for justice later in the day in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the site of a 1921 massacre, which wiped out a vibrant Black business community when a racist white mob killed some 300 African American residents.
Let our news meet your inbox. The news and stories that matters, delivered weekday mornings.
Sharptons appearance comes a day before President Donald Trump arrives in Tulsa for his first political rally since the pandemic paralyzed the country. The event, which had originally been scheduled for Friday, was moved after the Trump campaign was accused of being tone-deaf and hit with an avalanche of criticism.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump later insisted he made Juneteenth famous.
Its actually an important event, its an important time, Trump insisted. But nobody had heard of it. Very few people have heard of it.
That was news to 66-year-old Bobby Eaton, who came Friday to the Juneteenth festival in Tulsa and grew up hearing tales of what the Greenwood District was like before the massacre. He spoke while hundreds marched down Greenwood Avenue, on which "Black Lives Matter" was painted in enormous yellow letters.
I think its a good thing that all eyes are on Tulsa right now," Eaton said. "Some of those didnt know about our history and our culture and what took place down here on Black Wall St. Before Hiroshima, before 9/11, we were bombed right here in 1921.
Vanessa Saddler, 65, who is also from Tulsa, said "this is sacred, holy ground."
As for Trump, "he is a racist and not welcome," Saddler said.
Meanwhile, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, at an online forum hosted by MSNBC called Juneteenth JusticeCon on Friday night, called on Americans to dedicate themselves to dismantle systemic racism and paid tribute to the bittersweet nature of Juneteenth which, he said both reminds us of the long hard night and the bright morning to come.
When it comes to racism in the U.S., Biden said Black Americans carry the burden, but all Americans carry the shame and the duty to act.
African Americans have celebrated Juneteenth for more than a century with parades and parties and gatherings of all kinds. And Juneteenth is now recognized by 47 states and the District of Columbia as a state holiday or observance.
"Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory, or an acceptance of the way things are," Barack Obama, Trump's predecessor and the nation's first Black president, tweeted. "It's a celebration of progress."
This year, the holiday is being observed more widely than ever before. But in addition to celebrations both large and small, more protests against police violence on African Americans and rallies in solidarity with the community were underway in New York City, Chicago and Atlanta.
Demonstrations were also planned from Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C., within sight of the White House, all the way west to the Pacific Coast, where members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union vowed to shut down for eight hours ports from Bellingham, Washington all the way south to San Diego and engage in peaceful protests.
Also in Washington, a memorial to former Redskins owner George Marshall, infamous for his opposition to having Black players on the team roster, suffered the same fate as that of several statues of Confederate generals recently -- it was removed. Workers arrived early Friday and yanked it of its pedestal near RFK Stadium.
At General Motors plants in Michigan, workers and management planned to hold an eight-minute, 46-second moment of silence --- the amount of time authorities initially said that a white Minneapolis police officer kept his knee on George Floyd's neck before he died on May 25.
For workers at major companies like Nike, Target and Twitter, Juneteenth is a paid holiday this year while Capital One announced it was closing its branches early Friday.
Gamboa reported from Tulsa, Siemaszko from New Jersey
Suzanne Gamboa is a national reporter for NBC Latino and NBCNews.com
Corky Siemaszko is a senior writer for NBC News Digital.
Adam Edelman contributed.
Read more:
Juneteenth observed across the country with new interest, urgency - NBC News
- Rev. Al Sharpton meets with Wendy Williams to pray after she calls him for help in her guardianship battle - MSN - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- NYC Mayors Race: Reverend Al Sharpton says Andrew Cuomo should not pursue general election bid - amNewYork - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton urges Cuomo to step aside in NYC mayoral race: 'What is best for New York' - Fox News - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton urges Andrew Cuomo to abandon run for New York City mayor. Here's why. - CBS News - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton calls on Andrew Cuomo to drop out of NYC mayoral race: Look at what is best for the city - New York Post - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton urges Cuomo to step aside in NYC mayoral race: 'What is best for New York' - FOX 8 TV - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- The Rev. Al Sharpton shocks many with stance on Andrew Cuomo's NYC mayoral candidacy - CBS News - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton calls on Andrew Cuomo to drop out of NYC mayoral race: Look at what is best for the city - AOL.com - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton Urges Andrew Cuomo to Withdraw from NYC Mayoral Race Amidst Changing Voter Landscape - Hoodline - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- From Jay-Z and Nas to Al Sharpton and Donald Trump, NYC Casino Bids Have Many Celebrity Attachments - Casino.org - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Mamdani joined by Rev. Al Sharpton at rally in Harlem - FOX 5 New York - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Mamdani joined by Al Sharpton at rally in Harlem - FOX 5 New York - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Mamdani joined by Rev. Al Sharpton at rally in Harlem - Yahoo - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Caesars Palace Times Square Partners with Rev. Al Sharpton and Ryan Williams, Founder of Cadre, on Historic Inclusive Ownership Opportunities for U.S.... - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton Says Prominent Black Figures Like Diddy and Tyler Perry Are Targets for Federal Scrutiny - EURweb - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton and Spike Lee talk voting over Juneteenth breakfast at Juniors - News 12 - The Bronx - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Readers sound off on religious leadership, cyclist advocacy and Al Sharpton - New York Daily News - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- He gave us a sense of pride: Rev Al Sharpton on Malcolm Xs 100th birthday - The Guardian - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- Exclusive | Wendy Williams called Rev. Al Sharpton to pray amid guardianship battle - Page Six - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton Prays With Wendy Williams During Visit, Vows To Help Her - lovebscott - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton Prays With Wendy Williams During Visit, Vows To Help Her - TMZ - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Op-Ed: Target CEO Meets With Al Sharpton To Discuss DEI Rollback, But Should He Still Be Speaking For Us? - AfroTech - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton Meets with Target CEO Over Black Community Boycott - iHeart - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton calls meeting with Target CEO constructive, says Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant was in the meeting - TheGrio - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Target CEO meets with Al Sharpton amid backlash over DEI rollbacks. - EBONY Magazine - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton holds constructive and candid meeting with Target CEO over DEI initiatives - New York Post - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Target CEO Cornell meets with Sharpton to discuss DEI rollback as civil rights leader considers boycott - CNBC - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton meets Target CEO amid boycott over dropping DEI - The Black Wall Street Times - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- PepsiCo agrees to meet with Al Sharpton over DEI cuts, potential boycott - AP News - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Target CEO to meet with Rev. Al Sharpton to discuss the company's rollback of DEI initiatives - TheGrio - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton calls meeting with Target's CEO amid DEI backlash 'very constructive and candid' - Norwalk Hour - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- PepsiCo to meet with Al Sharpton over proposed boycott due to DEI rollbacks - AL.com - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Target execs run to meet with Al Sharpton after woke groups threaten boycott over DEI rollback - New York Post - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- PepsiCo Meets With Reverend Al Sharpton After Threat Of Boycott Over DEI Rollbacks - AfroTech - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Target Calls Meeting With Rev. Al Sharpton To Discuss DEI Rollback - Chicago Defender - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton calls meeting with Target's CEO amid DEI backlash 'very constructive and candid' - The Washington Post - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton holds constructive and candid meeting with Target CEO over DEI initiatives - FOX 8 TV - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton To Meet With CEOs Of Target And PepsiCo Over DEI Rollbacks - Bossip - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- PepsiCo agrees to meet with Al Sharpton over DEI cuts, potential boycott - MSN - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton calls meeting with Target's CEO amid DEI backlash 'very constructive and candid' - Waco Tribune-Herald - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton calls meeting with Target's CEO amid DEI backlash 'very constructive and candid' - Stamford Advocate - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Time to ask Al Sharpton: Why should DEI exist in the first place? - New York Post - April 14th, 2025 [April 14th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton calls on PepsiCo to restore DEI initiatives, threatens boycott - AP News - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- MSNBC host Al Sharpton calls for boycott of PepsiCo as he gives them three weeks to make huge change - Daily Mail - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton calls on PepsiCo to restore DEI initiatives, threatens boycott - Messenger-Inquirer - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton calls on PepsiCo to restore DEI initiatives, threatens boycott - livingstonenterprise.net - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton calls on PepsiCo to restore DEI initiatives, threatens boycott - Bozeman Daily Chronicle - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton Calls Out PepsiCo Over Diversity Changes, Threatens To Boycott - MSN - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton calls on PepsiCo to restore DEI initiatives, threatens boycott - MSN - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton to Honor Roberta Flack with Heartfelt Eulogy at Celebration of Life in Harlem on Monday - eurweb.com - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton to deliver Eulogy at Roberta Flacks Celebration of Life in Harlem - The Chicago Cusader - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- Rev. AL Sharpton to deliver eulogy for Roberta Flack at Celebration of Life - The Times Weekly - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- EXCLUSIVE: Rev. Al Sharpton on Trumps Agenda, DEI rollbacks, and the fight for democracy - New Pittsburgh Courier - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- EXCLUSIVE: Rev. Al Sharpton on Trumps Agenda, DEI Rollbacks, and the Fight for Democracy - Chicago Defender - February 27th, 2025 [February 27th, 2025]
- Kathy Hochul bashes Elon Musk but then taps Al Sharpton for advice - New York Post - February 25th, 2025 [February 25th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton Speaks to Media - Citizen - February 18th, 2025 [February 18th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton: It means everything for Donald Trump to have leverage over New York City mayor - MSNBC - February 18th, 2025 [February 18th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton: It means everything for Donald Trump to have leverage over New York City mayor - Yahoo - February 18th, 2025 [February 18th, 2025]
- Crossed the Rubicon: Rev. Al Sharpton suggests he may pull support for Mayor Adams after Trump DOJ moves to drop charges - amNY - February 12th, 2025 [February 12th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton and Attorney Ben Crump honor the lives lost in the Eaton Fire at memorial service - The Philadelphia Tribune - February 12th, 2025 [February 12th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton: Harris has consistently committed to making government work' for disadvantaged - NBC Washington - February 12th, 2025 [February 12th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton Issues Warning to Companies Ending DEI - MSN - February 12th, 2025 [February 12th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton and Attorney Ben Crump Honor the Lives Lost in the Eaton Fire at Memorial Service - Black Voice News - February 9th, 2025 [February 9th, 2025]
- Dont Miss This Live Chat with Rev. Al Sharpton: Students Take the Stage - Bober Tea - February 9th, 2025 [February 9th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton visits Altadena and leads memorial for Eaton Fire victims - CBS News - February 7th, 2025 [February 7th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton to hold service for wildfire victims at Pasadena church - Los Angeles Times - February 7th, 2025 [February 7th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton/NAN, Ben Crump to Lead Memorial Service for Wildfire Victims in Southern California - eurweb.com - February 7th, 2025 [February 7th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton to hold service for wildfire victims at Pasadena church - Sunbury Daily Item - February 7th, 2025 [February 7th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton to hold memorial for L.A. wildfire victims in Pasadena - 2UrbanGirls - February 7th, 2025 [February 7th, 2025]
- PRESS ROOM: Rev. Al Sharpton and NAN announce major MLK Day mobilization to defend Dr. Kings legacy as second Trump term nears - Afro American... - January 11th, 2025 [January 11th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton pocketed nearly $1 million in bonuses from his National Action Network nonprofit - New York Post - December 16th, 2024 [December 16th, 2024]
- Endorsement Of Vigilantism: Rev. Al Sharpton Rips JD Vance Inviting Daniel Penny To Army-Navy Game - NewsOne - December 16th, 2024 [December 16th, 2024]
- Al Sharpton floats Biden pardon for Dothan half-brother, pastor convicted of fraud, tax evasion - 1819 News - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- Black church coalition calls on MSNBC to suspend Al Sharpton over donations from Harris campaign - Fox News - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Church turns on MSNBC host Al Sharpton over $500,000 in payments from Harris campaign - The Telegraph - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Rev. Al Sharpton Faces Scrutiny Over Pay-to-Play Harris Controversy - eurweb.com - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Rev. Al Sharpton to speak at Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church anniversary - WSFA - December 2nd, 2024 [December 2nd, 2024]
- Al Sharpton's acceptance of Kamala Harris campaign's $500K donation a 'bridge too far' for MSNBC colleagues - New York Post - December 2nd, 2024 [December 2nd, 2024]
- Al Sharpton continuing to host MSNBC show, make regular appearances after Harris campaign payment revealed - Fox News - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Rev. Al Sharpton, Mayor Adams hosts Thanksgiving dinner for families at National Action Network - ABC7 New York - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]