Juneteenth

The NEON District Streetscape Project in Norfolk has resumed after a pause for Juneteenth, Harborfest, and Sail 250. Construction crews are currently installing new water and sewer lines on the west side of Granby Street.

Jon Meacham, a MS NOW guest historian, argues the U.S. as a 'multiracial, multiethnic democracy' was not founded until 1965 due to laws like the Voting Rights Act and Immigration and Nationality Act. Other MS NOW hosts, including Rev. Al Sharpton and Joy Reid, question celebrating the 250th anniversary of 1776, citing the nation's history with slavery and advocating for Juneteenth as a more meaningful start to American democracy.

Joy Reid claims Black Americans do not celebrate July 4th, asserting that Juneteenth marks the true day of freedom. She criticizes July 4th as a celebration of slaveholders who avoided taxes for their slave empire.

The Osborne Association, a nonprofit supporting incarcerated individuals, hosted a spring picnic in Prospect Park for about 60 families impacted by incarceration. The event featured activities like a magic show and face painting, and occurred between Juneteenth and Father’s Day. The organization advocates for legislation to improve in-person visits at correctional facilities.

Seven people were killed and at least 38 injured in a series of shootings in Chicago over the weekend. President Donald Trump called for military intervention, while Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office did not respond to requests for comment. A mass shooting on Juneteenth injured 12 people in a crowd.

Seven people were killed and dozens injured in a series of weekend shootings in Chicago, prompting President Donald Trump to call for military intervention. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker did not respond to requests for comment, and the incidents occurred amid a Juneteenth celebration and near Barack and Michelle Obama’s presidential center.

Seven people were killed and 38 injured in a series of shootings in Chicago from Friday to Sunday, prompting President Donald Trump to call for military intervention. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has previously rejected similar requests, and the National Guard has been deployed in other cities under Trump. A mass shooting on Juneteenth injured 12 people, and former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama opened his presidential center on Chicago's South Side ahead of the violence.

Visitors to the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago celebrated its opening as a symbol of 'Black excellence' and a scandal-free legacy, contrasting it with criticisms of President Donald Trump. The center opened during Juneteenth, with attendees emphasizing unity and hope for the African American community.

Visitors to the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago praised Obama's legacy as an example of 'Black excellence' and a scandal-free leadership, contrasting it with criticisms of President Donald Trump. The center opened during Juneteenth, with attendees emphasizing its symbolic importance for the community and African American empowerment.

At least 12 people were shot in Chicago after an SUV pulled up and opened fire on a crowd, leaving two in critical condition. The incident occurred on Juneteenth near the Barack Obama Presidential Center, with police reporting 21 total shootings in the city since Friday evening.

Gunfire in Chicago's South Side left 12 people with gunshot wounds, including two in critical condition, after an SUV pulled up and two individuals inside opened fire. The shooting occurred on Juneteenth, with 21 people shot in the city since Friday evening, resulting in four deaths. A pastor criticized the violence as a tragic disruption of the holiday's celebration.

At least 12 people were shot in a Chicago South Side crowd after an SUV pulled up and two occupants opened fire. Two individuals, both male, were in critical condition, with one suffering a gunshot wound to the thigh. The SUV fled the scene following the late Friday incident.

At least 12 people were shot when an SUV pulled up and opened fire on a crowd in Chicago. Two individuals were in critical condition, and the incident occurred on Juneteenth. The article mentions the nearby opening of Barack Obama's presidential center and a local pastor's reaction to the violence.

Ghana hosted a conference to advance the UN resolution declaring slavery the 'gravest crime against humanity.' The event coincided with a reenactment of the slave trade on Juneteenth, with leaders advocating for reparations.

The Carolinas will experience drier conditions through Sunday due to a weak cold front, providing favorable weather for Juneteenth and Father’s Day events. Rain and thunderstorms are expected to return by Monday as a new cold front approaches, with potential for severe storms and high winds.

Crowds gathered in Chicago's Jackson Park to celebrate the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center on Juneteenth 2026, with the facility emphasizing community engagement and featuring public spaces like a library, playground, and basketball court. Tickets sold out quickly, and the center's development incorporated the historic Jackson Park.

As Juneteenth was celebrated in the U.S., former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama welcomed the first visitors to his presidential center in Chicago.

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama opened the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago's South Side on Juneteenth, a day celebrating the end of slavery in the U.S. The center aims to inspire community-driven change and coincides with national Juneteenth commemorations.

Descendants of Frederick Douglass and John Brown discussed civil rights challenges during a Juneteenth visit to WHYY. Kevin Douglass Greene criticized claims of lost rights for African Americans, highlighting historical struggles for equality, and condemned a court ruling that replaced a slavery exhibit at the President’s House Site. Brian Evans joined the visit to the exhibit on Independence Mall.

Tamir Bell, the Youngest Black Alderman in Illinois, headlines the Aurora Juneteenth Youth Summit and discusses its significance for the next generation. The event highlights his role in addressing community and youth engagement.

Barack and Michelle Obama surprised the first 100 visitors to the new Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, personally greeting them and reading 'Where the Wild Things Are' with LeVar Burton. The museum, which includes a Chicago Public Library branch and public spaces, opened on Juneteenth with sold-out tickets through November.

The US markets were closed on Juneteenth, leading to minimal North American news. Canada reported a flat first quarter economic performance.

The Obama Presidential Center opened to the public on Juneteenth, coinciding with nationwide celebrations and reflections on the day. The event connects the new presidential legacy project with the national observance of Juneteenth.

As Juneteenth celebrations occur nationwide, former President Barack Obama's presidential center opens in Chicago's South Side, emphasizing community inspiration and historical reflection. The center, featuring exhibits on Obama's presidency and a museum with interactive displays, coincides with Juneteenth's commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S.

Pasadena Councilmember Justin Jones highlights increased civic awareness of Juneteenth in the city five years after it became a federal holiday. He questions whether this awareness has translated into policy changes that improve daily life for Black residents.

Former President Barack Obama's presidential center opened in Chicago's South Side, coinciding with Juneteenth celebrations. The center aims to inspire community change through exhibits and spaces like a museum, garden, and library. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S., marked by Union troops declaring freedom in Texas on June 19, 1865.

The article discusses the concept of 'Black permanency' in California, emphasizing the need for structural conditions to ensure Black communities thrive beyond survival. It highlights challenges like economic pressure, climate instability, underfunded Black-led organizations, and systemic underinvestment, while questioning California's commitment to enduring equity-focused policies.

A federal appeals court ruled in favor of the Trump administration's attempt to replace a slavery exhibit at the President’s House Site in Philadelphia. The city had sued to recover the removed panels, securing an injunction in February. Juneteenth weekend events in Philadelphia include parades and festivals, while a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling adds state oversight to Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner.

Ohio Legislative Black Caucus lawmakers criticized a voter photo ID constitutional amendment during a Juneteenth commemoration and defended the Ohio Organizing Commission after its offices were searched by FBI agents. The amendment, which would require photo ID to vote, will appear on the November ballot. The caucus emphasized the need for secure and accessible elections while linking Juneteenth to ongoing voting rights and economic equity issues.

As Juneteenth celebrations occur across the U.S., former President Barack Obama’s presidential center opens in Chicago for the first time.

Barack Obama's presidential center opens in Chicago on Juneteenth, a day celebrating the end of slavery in the U.S. The center aims to inspire community change and includes exhibits on Obama's presidency, a library, and spaces for reflection. Juneteenth, now a federal holiday, marks June 19, 1865, when Union troops declared freedom for enslaved people in Texas.

Barack Obama's presidential center opened in Chicago on Juneteenth, a day commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. The center aims to inspire community change and includes exhibits on Obama's presidency and a replica of the Oval Office. Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when Union troops declared freedom for enslaved people in Texas.

Brazil's Ibovespa steadied near 168,000 as the US-Iran deal was signed and oil prices fell below $79. US markets remained closed for Juneteenth, contributing to a quiet conclusion to a busy week.

The Thursday evening forecast predicts a hot and humid afternoon on Friday, with light winds continuing through Juneteenth. High temperatures and humidity are expected to persist, with no significant changes in wind conditions.

Vendors in downtown Norfolk are preparing for three major weekend events—Harborfest, Sail 250, and Juneteenth—sparking excitement among businesses. Out-of-state businesses are also setting up for their fourth Harborfest.

Happy Ice will open a new location at the Downtown Disney District on Juneteenth, offering Philadelphia-style Italian water ice. The brand's food truck has operated there since 2022.

In 1865, Black ministers including Garrison Frazier met with General Sherman and Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton to express Black Americans' desire to serve in the Union military as a means of securing freedom. The article contrasts this historical commitment with current actions by Pete Hegseth, who has removed tributes to Black military heroes and blocked Black officers' promotions, framing it as an attack on the legacy of Black service. The text highlights the role of Black soldiers in shaping the Civil War's outcome and the ongoing efforts to erase their contributions.

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama celebrated the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, Woodlawn, emphasizing its connection to Chicago's South Side. The event featured speeches, performances, and attendees including former presidents, politicians, and celebrities.

The Supreme Court is expected to release 20 more opinions in argued cases by early July, with some coming today. A July 8 event at Johns Hopkins University will discuss birthright citizenship and feature ACLU’s Cecillia Wang. A conservative nonprofit, Liberty Justice Center, faced donor losses after challenging Trump’s tariffs but continues to oppose new tariffs. The Court’s upcoming decision on election ballot grace periods may impact military voting, and Georgia lawmakers will not redraw voting districts during a special session following a Supreme Court ruling.

The article highlights six major health news stories and mentions a biotech newsletter that provides updates on science and politics in biotechnology. It notes there will be no newsletter on Juneteenth, with the next edition scheduled for Monday.