Biden marks Juneteenth by hosting a concert at the White House.


In 2021, President Biden signed a bipartisan bill into law, officially designating Juneteenth as a federal holiday in the United States. This significant legislation was enacted to commemorate the momentous occasion that marked the end of slavery in the country. As part of the commemorative celebrations, President Biden organized a concert at the White House to honor the historical significance of Juneteenth.

Guests enjoy a performance of Broadway Inspirational Voices during a Juneteenth concert on the South Lawn of the White House on June 13, 2023. [Susan Walsh/AP Photo]

In a momentous commemoration, President Joe Biden orchestrated a captivating concert on the picturesque South Lawn of the White House to honor Juneteenth, the most recent addition to the federal holidays in the United States. With profound significance, Juneteenth signifies the pivotal milestone of the abolition of slavery across the nation, a proclamation that President Biden formally established as a federal holiday in 2021.

President Biden expressed the profound impact of this historic event, stating that the recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday would breathe new life into the very essence of America itself. He emphasized that making Juneteenth a federal holiday went beyond symbolism, as it was a factual acknowledgement for the country to confront the origin of the original sin of slavery and to comprehend that the Civil War was not solely fought over the preservation of the Union, but fundamentally for the ideals of freedom and the nation.

Vice President Kamala Harris also underscored the significance of Juneteenth, describing it as an occasion to honor the excellence, culture, and community of Black Americans. She articulated that America is a promise, a commitment to freedom, liberty, and justice, and Juneteenth symbolizes the ongoing struggle to realize that promise in its entirety, not only for a select few but for all individuals.

During the Juneteenth concert, the mesmerizing performance was delivered by Audra McDonald, a highly acclaimed artist who has garnered six Tony Awards. [Susan Walsh/AP Photo]

The celebration of Juneteenth at the White House served as a poignant reminder of the progress made in the journey towards racial equality and justice. Through vibrant performances and heartfelt speeches, this event resonated with the collective aspirations of the American people, fostering unity and underscoring the importance of embracing the historical significance of Juneteenth while striving for an inclusive and equitable future.

In addition to its commemoration of Juneteenth, the concert at the White House also served as a celebration of Black Music Month, paying tribute to the immense contributions of Black musicians throughout history. The event showcased an impressive lineup of renowned artists, including the incomparable Audra McDonald, a Tony Award winner whose talent has captivated audiences worldwide. Joining her on stage was the sensational Jennifer Hudson, an acclaimed singer and talk show host known for her powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence. Together, these artists brought their extraordinary artistry to the forefront, delivering captivating performances that honored the rich legacy of Black music and its profound impact on American culture.

Last year, President Biden put his signature on a bipartisan bill, officially recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday in the United States. This historic legislation designates June 19th as a significant date that symbolizes the emancipation of the last enslaved individuals in the nation. On that momentous day in 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, bringing the long-awaited news of freedom to the enslaved Black population. Juneteenth stands as a poignant reminder of the struggles and resilience of those who fought against slavery and serves as a time to reflect on the ongoing journey towards equality and justice for all.

The concert on the South Lawn of the White House marked Juneteenth, the end of slavery in the US, and Black Music Month.
[Susan Walsh/AP Photo]
Among the notable performers on the South Lawn of the White House, Tennessee State University’s marching band was one of two university marching bands to grace the stage. [Susan Walsh/AP Photo]
Marking a significant moment in history, Kamala Harris, the trailblazing first Black woman to hold the position of US vice president, inaugurated the Juneteenth concert, which took place six days prior to the June 19th holiday. [Susan Walsh/AP Photo]
In a momentous introduction, Kamala Harris presented Opal Lee, affectionately referred to as the grandmother of Juneteenth due to her instrumental advocacy that contributed to its establishment as a holiday. Opal Lee shared a powerful message, highlighting the transformative potential of education: “If people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love.” [Susan Walsh/AP Photo]
In 2021, President Joe Biden enacted the legislation that transformed Juneteenth into an official federal holiday.
[Susan Walsh/AP Photo]
Addressing the audience at the Juneteenth celebration, President Biden expressed, “The events of recent years serve as a stark reminder that racism remains a potent force, threatening our cherished freedoms.” [Susan Walsh/AP Photo]
Among the lineup of performances at the White House Juneteenth concert, Step Afrika! was one of the 15 captivating acts that took the stage. [Susan Walsh/AP Photo]

In a momentous celebration of Juneteenth, President Joe Biden orchestrated a remarkable concert at the White House, marking the profound significance of this newly established federal holiday. The event not only honored the historical milestone of the end of slavery in the United States but also paid tribute to the vibrant legacy of Black music during Black Music Month. With a captivating lineup of talented artists, including Audra McDonald and Jennifer Hudson, the concert showcased the power of music to unite, uplift, and inspire. Vice President Kamala Harris and Opal Lee, hailed as the grandmother of Juneteenth, contributed their voices to commemorate this momentous occasion. As President Biden eloquently stated, this celebration served as a reminder of the ongoing fight against racism and a reinvigoration of the American spirit. The Juneteenth concert at the White House symbolized the progress made while emphasizing the continued work towards achieving a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

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