Dr. Ashley Jordan opened Philadelphia’s Juneteenth Block Party on Friday as the African American Museum in Philadelphia marked its 50th anniversary. Free admission began at 10 a.m., and the annual celebration started at noon with Patty Jackson of WDAS hosting.
The day also served as the kickoff to Wawa Welcome America’s 15-day festival leading up to the Fourth of July. Visitors could move from the exhibit Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design into gallery tours, educational programming, live performances and a vendor village.
Dr. Ashley Jordan on Juneteenth
Jordan tied the museum’s anniversary to Juneteenth by saying, “With the story of Juneteenth, we know emancipation was delayed but it wasn't denied,” and, “We act as an extension to our continuing legacy and the stories of freedom but most importantly emancipation so join us for 50 years of culture, 50 years of art, 50 years of freedom.”
She also said, “The anticipation story is one that must be championed everyday and the fact that there's a holiday designated for this celebration takes it to a new meaning and a new purpose and I hope people walk away feeling that they learned something but also how I can champion my stories for freedom.”
Patty Jackson of WDAS
Patty Jackson of WDAS hosted the celebration, and the museum packed the day with activity around her role. DJ Jazzy Jeff, Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick performed, while attendees had food trucks, family-friendly games, face painting and balloon art.
Michael Wilson said, “You also have gallery tours I will be hosting several talks in addition to other members of our curatorial team so you have multiple opportunities to engage with the museum,” giving visitors a set schedule that went beyond the block party itself.
Wawa Welcome America and Philadelphia
The museum’s Juneteenth Jubilee linked the holiday to a larger summer calendar in Philadelphia without separating the public celebration from the museum’s own milestone. That combination made the free day both an anniversary marker and the opening note of the city’s broader festival run.
How many people attended the block party was not stated, but the setup gave visitors a clear path: arrive after 10 a.m. for the museum, stay for the noon block party, and use the rest of the day for tours, talks and performances.
