The Situation:
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration honoring the end of slavery in the United States. On 19 June 1865, Union General Gordon Granger led thousands of federal troops to Galveston, Texas to announce that the Civil War had ended and slaves had been freed.
Hawaii, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana do not formally recognize Juneteenth.
Various protests, marches, and actions are planned around the United States on 19 June in conjunction with Juneteenth celebrations. Many cities throughout the United States are expecting mass gatherings of people. Listed gatherings are on 19 June, unless otherwise noted. This list is not exhaustive and only a representation of gatherings currently planned across the U.S.
New York City: more than a dozen protests are planned across the city
Chicago:
o The Million Man March is planned from 1100-1400. The march will start near Jones College Prep School and end at Daley Plaza.
o A peaceful demonstration to celebrate the end of slavery is planned at 1830 hours near 2400 S. State Street.
Detroit:
o A week of events were planned culminating in Juneteenth Freedom Rally and Street Art Unveiling at Spirit Plaza at 1000 hours
District of Columbia:
o The D.C. chapter of Black Lives Matter, along with supporting organizations, is inviting people to help them “shut down the basic elements of the city” in the morning. It asks that people “join a protest, organize direct action, call sick out of work, and skip class. Shut down high traffic intersections, block highway onramps, and police stations.”
o The Freedom Day March will begin at the National Museum of African American History & Culture at 1300 then head to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and finally to the Lincoln Memorial.
o A rally at the Silver Spring Civic Center will begin at 1500
o A march from the Malcolm X Park will begin at 1500
o A march from McPherson Square Metro to the Lafayette Square will take place at 1500
o A march from the Metro PCS at the corner of 7th Street and Florida Avenue NW at 1500
o Educators, students, and their supporters will meet at Freedom Plaza on 1000 hours and then march to the U.S. Department of Education at 1100 hours. The rally outside the Department of Education will feature local students and teachers.
o NW4BLACKJUSTICE will hold a march beginning at the National Cathedral at noon and ending in Dupont Circle.
Atlanta:
o “March on Atlanta” organized by the One Race Movement will begin at 0900 hours at Centennial Olympic Park.
Tulsa:
o The “I, Too, Am America” event will be held from 1100-2200 in the Greenwood District and feature live entertainment, performances, speakers, poetry, food trucks, vendors and children’s activities.
Seattle:
o Justice for Black Lives will gather in Phinney to march against racism and systemic injustice beginning at N 59th St and Phinney Ave N and ending at 5420 22nd Ave NW from 1000-1400
o March from 22nd & Madison South on 23rd Ave to Jimi Hendrix Park/African American Museum from 1400-2100
Possible Effects:
· Protest or demonstrations, especially near government buildings and city centers
· Presence of counter protesters
· Large groups of people which may increase tensions
· Disruptions to public transportation and businesses where protests are being held
· Increased traffic congestion in the vicinity of protests
· Increased presence of security, law enforcement, media and other personnel
Mitigating Measures to Consider Applying:
· Avoid large crowds, which have the possibility of turning violent and may also serve as a catalyst for COVID-19 Spread
· Should you choose to protest, ensure you maintain active situational awareness and be alert for changes that could impact your safety
· Practice social distancing or wear a mask when it can be maintained
· If detained, adhere to the instructions of local authorities
· Abide by local laws and restrictions
· Allow extra time for travel
· Avoid travel after dark, when civil unrest tends to escalate
· Prepare for disruptions caused by protests
· Monitor local and social media for updates
· Enroll in a Safe Traveler program to receive warnings from your preferred embassy
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