Miami-Dade County

Juneteenth has been a federal holiday for 5 years. But a lot has changed for Black people

By Raisa Habersham
The Coral Springs Museum of Art will host its Juneteenth celebration from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 19, in the museum’s lobby.
The Coral Springs Museum of Art will host its Juneteenth celebration from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 19, in the museum’s lobby. Photo from Vitalii Abakumov via Unsplash

Juneteenth has long been celebrated in Black communities across the South before it became a federal holiday five years ago.

And as Juneteenth marks a milestone ,two weeks before America turns 250, iBlack people have seen the rolling back of certain civil rights and how Black history is taught and discussed has become a point of contention.

It does beg the question: What freedoms are there left for Black people to protect? I spoke with an older Black woman Barbara Williamson, who said “America is on fire.”

She recalled her participation in the Woolworth sit-ins, advocating for the Voting Rights Act, and the work it took to get civil rights for Black people. She warned if people aren’t careful, it could get much worse.

Still, she plans to spend her Juneteenth celebrating and honoring freedom at her home and educating her grandson.

INSIDE THE 305:

Miami community faces leaks, mold after botched $12M renovation: lawsuit

A general view of the Town Park Plaza South residences on Friday, May 8, 2026, in Miami, Fla. Residents of the Section 8 housing community in Overtown are currently living with leaks, mold, and damage inside their homes following a failed renovation project and the community has now filed a lawsuit against the design-builder/general contractor and its roofing subcontractor.
A general view of the Town Park Plaza South residences on Friday, May 8, 2026, in Miami, Fla. Residents of the Section 8 housing community in Overtown are currently living with leaks, mold, and damage inside their homes following a failed renovation project and the community has now filed a lawsuit against the design-builder/general contractor and its roofing subcontractor. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com

Residents of an Overtown Section 8 housing community are suing a design-builder/general contractor and its roofing subcontractor, alleging they’ve been plagued by water damage, leaks and mold stemming from roofing issues.

Kendrick Meek Jr. says he’s ready to build his own legacy with congressional run

Kendrick Meek Jr. formally announces his candidacy for Congress at his residence in Miami, Fla., on Friday, June 12, 2026.
Kendrick Meek Jr. formally announces his candidacy for Congress at his residence in Miami, Fla., on Friday, June 12, 2026. Photo by Marra X. Finkelstein mfinkelstein@miamiherald.com

Standing inside his late grandmother Carrie Meek’s Gladeview home before about a dozen family members and supporters, Kendrick Meek Jr. formally announced he would be following in her footsteps by running for Congress in the crowded District 24 race.

OUTSIDE THE 305:

WNBA expansion soars with historic 50-game season in 2027

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JUNE 15: Courtney Williams #10 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots the ball against the Portland Fire in the first quarter at Target Center on June 15, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JUNE 15: Courtney Williams #10 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots the ball against the Portland Fire in the first quarter at Target Center on June 15, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) David Berding Getty Images

The WNBA is expanding again. This time, the league is increasing the number of games played during the season from 44 to 50.

Federal government seeks to halt the first US reparations program for Black people

EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - MARCH 23: A Black Lives Matter sign sits in front of a home on March 23, 2021 in Evanston, Illinois. The City Council of Evanston voted yesterday to approve a plan, which may be the first of its kind in the nation, to make reparations available to Black residents due to past discrimination. To be eligible, residents must have either lived in or be a direct descendant of a Black person who lived in Evanston between 1919 to 1969 and who suffered housing discrimination because of city ordinances, policies or practices. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - MARCH 23: A Black Lives Matter sign sits in front of a home on March 23, 2021 in Evanston, Illinois. The City Council of Evanston voted yesterday to approve a plan, which may be the first of its kind in the nation, to make reparations available to Black residents due to past discrimination. To be eligible, residents must have either lived in or be a direct descendant of a Black person who lived in Evanston between 1919 to 1969 and who suffered housing discrimination because of city ordinances, policies or practices. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Scott Olson Getty Images

The federal government asked a judge to halt a reparations program in Evanston, Illinois, that gave money to Black residents (or their direct descendants) who lived in the city between 1919 and 1969 and experienced housing discrimination, the Associated Press reported.

HIGH CULTURE:

Culture, community and cuisine: Where to celebrate Juneteenth in South Florida

This free city event will give residents and visitors access to new art exhibitions with a live DJ, light bites and more to celebrate African-Americans’ liberation from slavery 1865.
This free city event will give residents and visitors access to new art exhibitions with a live DJ, light bites and more to celebrate African-Americans’ liberation from slavery 1865. Photo courtesy of the City of Coral Springs

Juneteenth celebrations are happening In and around South Florida. Here are a list of events to check out.

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