Juneteenth 2025 in New Mexico: Freedom, Festivities & Forward Movement
Revisit the history of the Juneteenth holiday and learn more about Juneteenth celebrations happening around New Mexico in 2025 in UpLift Chronicles' Guide.
by Shannon Yvonne Moreau
The Juneteenth holiday is still on my Google and Apple calendars. So far, so good?
Freedom Proclaimed, Freedom Delayed
President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, effectively ending slavery in Confederate states. The practical end of slavery in the United States, however, was slow and painstaking. After the end of the Civil War in 1865, Union Army troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the proclamation on June 19. That December, Congress ratified the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery in the United States.
From Texas Roots to National Recognition
The first official Juneteenth celebration took place in Texas the following year in 1866. As Black people migrated to other parts of the country, the Juneteenth tradition spread. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the bill making Juneteenth a national holiday.
New Mexico’s Longstanding Recognition
Regardless of what happens nationally, Juneteenth has been a state holiday in New Mexico since 2006, thanks to legislation sponsored by former state Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton.
Keep Up with the Celebration
Read on for a preview of local Juneteenth celebrations. Continue to check our online events calendar for Juneteenth events as they come up. If you have an event you’d like added to the calendar, email info@nmblc.org with the details, including title, date, time, location, and organizer.
Your Guide to Juneteenth 2025 Events Across New Mexico
Caribbean Celebration, Saturday, June 7, Noon-9pm, Albuquerque, Manzano Mesa Park. Hosted by New Mexico Entertainment.
One New Mexico Annual Gospel Concert, Sunday, June 8, 3-6pm, Albuquerque, First Unitarian Church. Hosted by New Mexico Black Leadership Council.
Community Juneteenth 2025, Saturday, June 14, 11am-11pm, Albuquerque, Convention Center and Civic Plaza. Hosted by Black Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico.
Third Thursday: Juneteenth, Free night at the museum, Thursday, June 19, 5-8:30pm, Albuquerque Museum. Hosted by the City of Albuquerque and New Mexico Arts.
Juneteenth Jazz Arts Festival in Las Cruces, June 13 through June 22, various concerts.
Juneteenth Freedom Block Party in Albuquerque, June 20, dance classes, dances and games.
