OKC celebrates Juneteenth with events honoring Black culture and history

Oklahoma City will celebrate Juneteenth with a full weekend of events, performances and cultural experiences that highlight the city's Black history and community. Now in its fifth year, Juneteenth on the East anchors the celebration in the East End District along NE 23rd Street—an area rich with history and now home to Black-owned restaurants, public art and businesses. 

Looking back: Black history in OKC 

Black Oklahomans have shaped the city’s identity since its founding. The Deep Deuce District was once the heart of OKC’s jazz scene and a center for Black commerce. Musicians like Charlie Christian and Jimmy Rushing made their names there, and the district remains a symbol of cultural pride. 

Calvary Baptist Church, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once spoke, stands as a landmark of the civil rights movement in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma History Center’s “Realizing the Dream” exhibit features a recreation of activist Clara Luper’s living room and honors the 1958 sit-in movement she led. A new monument and the future Clara Luper Civil Rights Center, set to break ground this year, will continue that legacy. 

Visitors can also explore Black contributions to the arts at the Skirvin Hilton, where artist LaQuincey Reed’s sculptures spotlight Black and Native heritage. At the state Capitol, permanent exhibits showcase Black leaders in state and national history. 

Today: A thriving and growing community 

In northeast OKC, the East End District is home to Florence’s Restaurant—the state’s first James Beard Award winner—and other Black-owned spots like Polk’s House, Kindred Spirits, Carican Flavors and Scrambl’d. The area also hosts festivals, retail shops and Belle Books, which offers poetry nights and book signings. 

The district continues to grow while preserving the art, food and cultural identity of the Black community. 

Looking ahead 

With new projects underway and continued investment in culture, education and business, the black community in OKC remains active in shaping its own story. Juneteenth offers a moment to reflect on history, celebrate the present and support what’s next. 

Upcoming Juneteenth events in OKC 

Juneteenth on East 

This year’s Juneteenth on the East marks its fifth anniversary with expanded programming that centers creativity, culture and connection. The weekend kicks off June 19 with a fashion showcase and panel at Innovation Hall, 316 NE 9th St., featuring designer April Walker and local creatives. The evening includes a happy hour at 4 p.m., a panel discussion at 6 p.m., a fashion show at 7 p.m. and a mixer and meet-and-greet at 8 p.m. The celebration continues with a free 5K run sponsored by Red Coyote, followed by a full day of music, vendors and family activities. Southern rapper Big K.R.I.T. headlines the main event alongside performers including Bella Burns, Cam, Trip G, Shay Lyrique, Mogul Mal and more. Official hosts for the celebration are Conscious Lee and Mandii B. With each year, the event continues to grow as a platform for expression and shared history in northeast OKC. For more information, visit withloveokc.org. 

Juneteenth Get Down! Comedy Show 

For those looking to celebrate through comedy, OKC Improv will present The Juneteenth Get Down on June 19. The 8 p.m. show blends stand-up, character work and improv while spotlighting Black performers and creators. Held at OKC Improv, 1755 NW 16th St., the event offers a lively, engaging way to reflect on the holiday through humor and storytelling. General admission is $15. For more information, visit okcimprov.com. 

5th Annual Juneteenth Food Truck Friday 

Food lovers can head to the Sandridge Pavilion at 324 N. Robinson Ave. for the 5th Annual Juneteenth Food Truck Friday on June 20. Hosted by the Bigger Than Food Foundation and Crowe & Dunlevy, the event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features a range of local food trucks, live DJ sets and a welcoming community atmosphere. It’s free and open to the public, making it an ideal midday stop for downtown workers and visitors alike. For more information, visit okcblackeats.com.