The African American Museum in Philadelphia kicks off its annual Juneteenth Block Party on Friday at noon, celebrating its 50th anniversary with free family events, museum access starting at 10 a.m., and live hip-hop performances.
At noon on Friday, the African American Museum in Philadelphia opens its gates not just to visitors, but to a full street-level celebration of Juneteenth—one that carries extra weight this year as the museum marks its 50th anniversary.
The museum’s annual Juneteenth Block Party begins at noon with the theme “Juneteenth Jubilee.” The free, family-friendly festival is being held in partnership with Wawa Welcome America, and it’s set as the kickoff to the organization’s 15-day festival leading up to the Fourth of July.
Inside the museum, free admission starts at 10 a.m., giving people time to explore exhibits, including “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design.” Visitors can also take part in gallery tours and educational programming throughout the day.
Dr. Ashley Jordan. President and CEO of the African American Museum in Philadelphia. said Juneteenth carries a lesson the museum works to keep alive. “With the story of Juneteenth, we know emancipation was delayed but it wasn’t denied,” Jordan said. She tied the holiday’s meaning directly to the museum’s mission. describing the celebration as part of a longer. continuing legacy. “We act as an extension to our continuing legacy and the stories of freedom but most importantly emancipation so join us for 50 years of culture. 50 years of art. 50 years of freedom. ” Jordan said.
Michael Wilson, assistant curator and visual learning specialist, said the day won’t be limited to walk-in viewing. “You also have gallery tours I will be hosting several talks in addition to other members of our curatorial team so you have multiple opportunities to engage with the museum. ” Wilson said.
The block party itself will feature live performances from hip-hop artists DJ Jazzy Jeff, Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick. Attendees can also expect food trucks, a vendor village, family-friendly games, face painting, balloon art and other interactive activities.
For Jordan, Juneteenth isn’t only a calendar moment—it’s a daily responsibility to keep the story moving forward. “The anticipation story is one that must be championed everyday and the fact that there’s a holiday designated for this celebration takes it to a new meaning and a new purpose and I hope people walk away feeling that they learned something but also how I can champion my stories for freedom. ” Jordan said.
The celebration will be hosted by Philadelphia radio personality Patty Jackson of WDAS.
As the museum enters its next chapter in public programming. the block party is designed as something more than a celebration. It’s an invitation—starting at 10 a.m. for museum entry. and widening at noon into the block party—to reflect on freedom and emancipation. and to do it in a way families can feel together.
African American Museum in Philadelphia Juneteenth Block Party Wawa Welcome America 50th anniversary DJ Jazzy Jeff Doug E. Fresh Slick Rick Patty Jackson WDAS Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design
Juneteenth block party at noon?? nice.
So is this the museum that’s like always doing stuff for “black history” or is it different this year? Also Wawa Welcome America sounds familiar like they always sponsor random events.
I saw “hip-hop performances” and thought it was gonna be like a concert, not “family-friendly” stuff. But hey if free museum access starts at 10, I guess people will just show up early and then it turns into a street thing at noon? Either way, 50th anniversary is cool.
Emancipation was delayed but not denied… okay but isn’t Juneteenth already like the 4th of July type thing? Not sure why it needs to be tied into a 15-day festival leading to July 4, seems like it’s just marketing the whole time. Also “Ruth E. Carter” sounds like a celebrity? I didn’t know she was in costume design for Afrofuturism lol.