Carnegie Hall

Dating back to the end of the American Civil War in 1865, Juneteenth commemorates our nation’s true independence—the day when all members of the newly reunited nation were finally declared free. More than 400 years after the first enslaved African people were brought to the North American colonies, the fight for equality continues. Through music and commentary—including performances by pianist Joseph Joubert and the Juneteenth Mass Choir, speeches by Bill Moyers and Bishop Michael Curry, and comments from Carnegie Hall’s Chairman Robert F. Smith and Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Wynton Marsalis—Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes Jr. leads this celebration, recognizing the importance of this historic day and acknowledging the long road still ahead.