Breezy and sunny, the Northside celebrates a weekend of Juneteenth festivities

Sisters Angela, left, and Tanzania take in the breezy Juneteenth Saturday. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson 

Northsiders got a headstart on the Juneteenth celebrations with events this past weekend at Shiloh Temple International Ministries, Bethune Park and Webber Park.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in 1865. African Americans started using the term – a mashup of the date June 19 – in the late 1800s to celebrate their freedom. It is now a federal holiday.

At Shiloh Friday, families filled the parking lot to watch a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, eat cotton candy, dance and sing to performers and other family-friendly events.

On Saturday, Bethune Park hosted one of the oldest Juneteenth celebrations in the city with the feel of one big family gathering. Webber Park held a cookout and swim day on Sunday.

North News staffers Azhae’la Hanson and David Pierini photographed some of the festivities.  

Senate president and Northsider Bobby Joe Champion, left, played the air guitar and got a laugh out of Jevetta Steele. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson  

Mister Juneteenth Isaac Abatan was generous with fist pumps for young fans checking out the 2026 Juneteenth court that made an appearance at Shiloh Temple. Photo by David Pierini

Teen Miss Juneteenth Ayla Porter, left, and Little Miss Juneteenth Asmara Constantino knew what to do for the cameras. Photo by David Pierini

Jarell Harris and Cassandra Buckingham embraced at the Juneteenth celebration at Shiloh Temple Friday. That had not seen each other since their drill team days. Photo by David Pierini

Cameron Wright headlined the Bethune Park Juneteenth celebration on Saturday. Wright is a Northsider who was featured as a contestant on the singing competition show “The Voice”. He sang a compilation of original songs and “Purple Rain” by Prince. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson 

Onyx Buckner, left, and Cali Patton danced along while local artist Maya Marchelle performed on the Bethune Park stage. Photo By Azhae’la Hanson

Free haircuts were given inside of the Phillis Wheatley Center by Reflections Barber Shop. Zachary Smith Sr., the owner of the shop cut the hair of Josiah Davis. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson

Adilah Brown, 12, was starry-eyed at Friday’s Shiloh celebration. Photo by David Pierini

Winter Boyce, 6, was cool in name, choice of shades and a popsicle while walking with family at Shiloh Temple. Photo by David Pierini

A group of friends took turns chasing after each other on scooters.  Photo by Azhae’la Hanson 

Teigyn Long got in close with Aaliyah Thompson who came prepared with a battery-operated fan for Juneteenth sunshine at Shiloh Temple. Photo by David Pierini

The 3-on-3 youth basketball tournament is a big draw at Shiloh’s annual Juneteenth bash. Photo by David Pierini

Sisters Lailah Montgomery, 6, left, and Sarai Montgomery, 5, strolled together as they headed toward an inflatable slide at Shiloh’s Juneteenth event. Photo by David Pierini