LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration returns to Louisville for its second iteration from June 11-19, Mayor Greg Fischer announced on Thursday.

The citywide series of events honors Juneteenth, the oldest known holiday commemorating the final communication of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. The holiday originated in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 and is observed annually on June 19.

Mayor Fischer made Juneteenth an official holiday for the Louisville Metro Government through an executive order in June 2020.

Several community organizations and representatives had a hand in planning this year's event that aims to highlight the holiday's historical significance.

“Our dedicated commissioners and community partners have been tirelessly working on providing educational and creative outlets to honor the importance of Juneteenth,” Fischer said. “I truly appreciate their partnership and their thoughtful organization of this special week of activities.”

Returning this year will be a five-day Juneteenth Day Camp hosted by Louisville Visual Art and Waterfront Park, beginning on Monday, June 13. Campers ages 7-12 will meet each morning for visual art instruction and activities on a covered outdoor patio overlooking the river, said Waterfront Development Director Ashley Smith.

“We’re excited to welcome young participants to tap into their artistic side and expand their imaginations. Art has been known to reduce stress and boost mental health, and we are thrilled to hold this art camp in a beautiful and safe location during Juneteenth,” Smith said. “We want kids to fully express themselves and be able to connect with the celebration’s historical importance.”

Here’s a larger look at events planned by the Juneteenth Commission:

June 11 – First Tee Louisville’s 22^nd annual George “GG” Johnson Golf Scramble, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Shawnee Golf Course

June 13-June 17, Juneteenth Camp, Louisville Visual Art and Waterfront Park, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Campers will be introduced to the works and history of Ed Hamilton, Muhammad Ali, the Underground Railroad and more, then create their own artworks to express themselves and their newfound knowledge; in the afternoons, campers will explore Waterfront Park for fun camp activities.  Limited to 10 students.

June 13-14 – WAVE Country with Dawne Gee, 2 p.m.

June 14 – Lean Into Louisville, Redistricting Panel Discussion, 6:30 p.m.

June 15 – Lean Into Louisville, Presentation: The Kentucky African American Civil War Soldiers Project, First Gethsemane Baptist Church, 12 p.m.

The Kentucky African American Civil War Soldiers Project seeks to uncover archival documents about the lives of these soldiers and their family members, and use them as the basis for constructing family trees going as far backward and forward as possible.

June 16 – The Louisville Metro Human Relations Commission Celebrates 60th Anniversary/Juneteenth Luncheon, Kentucky Center for African American Heritage Center, 11 a.m.

June 16 – Miss Juneteenth Pageant, Fourth Street Live, 1 to 5 p.m.

June 17 - Agape Day, Dare to Care & National Panhellenic Council Louisville, 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

June 17 – Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration: Our Story, America’s Glory Inaugural Gala, The Muhammad Ali Center, 6 p.m. 

Mayor Fischer will speak at the red-carpet gala that will feature dinner, spoken word by Hannah Drake and special performances by the Dr. Jerry Tolson Orchestra, Syreeta Thompson “Trumpet Lady”  and Donna & The Atone Band.

June 18 – “Race for Justice” by Future Ancestors, Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center, 8 a.m.

 Participants will honor Breonna Taylor by running or walking 26 laps as team, one for every year she was alive, or by walking/running a 1.3-mile individual race.

June 18 – Juneteenth Youth Jamboree,  Berrytown Park, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

June 19 – Presbyterian Church USA, hybrid service, 11 a.m.

More information on Louisville's Juneteenth Jubilee can be found here.