Each week, we list some ways to get engaged in the city โ whether thatโs protesting, organizing with your neighbors, or testifying before your councilmembers. This isn't an exhaustive list; share your events and trainings with us at 51st.news/submit-events.
For more ways to get connected, check out our resources roundup; and for more to do around the city, don't miss our Weekend Events post.
TUESDAY, JUNE 16
Election Protection Field Volunteers โฐ 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. ๐ Multiple locations For those who trained up โ this is the big day! Election Day volunteer roles include Field Attorneys (for those with a legal background) or Grassroots Poll Monitors (for those who do not have a legal background). Morning, afternoon, and evening shifts are available. Sign up here.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17
Black Queer Feminism 101 โฐ 7 - 8:30 p.m. ๐ Virtual This political education session from Harriet's Wildest Dreams will focus on the intersections between race and gender through a Black queer feminist lens. Touching on both historical movements and current issues, the session will send participants home with material to continue their education on their own time. RSVP here.
THURSDAY, JUNE 18
4th Annual Juneteenth at Harrison Park โฐ 3 - 9 p.m. ๐ Harrison Park (1330 V St. NW) The Juneteenth festivities start early on U Street NW with a celebration honoring the music, arts, and civic life of D.C.'s historic Black Broadway corridor. Hosted by U Street Main Street, the U Street Neighborhood Association, and Long Live GoGo, the night will feature food, games, musical performances, and a basketball tournament!
Zine Folding with Free DC โฐ 5 - 8 p.m. ๐ Marx Cafe (3203 Mt Pleasant St. NW) Meet your neighbors and get crafty with Free DC literature. No experience required, just hands ready to help! RSVP here.
FRIDAY, JUNE 19
Juneteenth Freedom Bike Ride โฐ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. ๐ Reservoir Park (10 Lower Service Ct. NW) D.C.'s Department of Parks and Recreation will kick off Juneteenth with a 16-kilometer ride starting at Reservoir Park and ending at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. You do not have to be an experienced cyclist to participate โ just wear a helmet! RSVP here.
Ward 7 Juneteenth Parade โฐ 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. ๐ East Washington Heights Baptist Church (2220 Branch Ave. SE) to Randle Circle Park (41 Randle Cir. SE) Ward 7 is marking the holiday with a parade highlighting the culture and history of Chocolate City. Pre-parade, there will be a 2.5-mile walk in honor of Opal Lee, who started the walk as a campaign to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. The parade assembly will start at 9 a.m., while processions begin at 11 a.m. Looking for a group to walk with? Find details on joining Free DC's Chocolate City contingent here. When the parade ends, look out for The 51st's Ward 7 Community Connector team!
Woodlawn Cemetery Cleanup โฐ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. ๐ 4611 Benning Rd. SE Help keep the historic Black cemetery clean by lending your time to the Woodlawn Cemetery Perpetual Care Association. Bring any tools you have, including gloves, rakes, trash bags, hedge trimmers, leaf-blowers, and lawn mowers. (If you like to plan ahead, the next cleanup is coming July 25!)
Serve Your City Juneteenth Community Festival โฐ 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. ๐ ONE DC Black Workers & Wellness Center (2500 MLK Jr Ave. SE) Serve Your City and ONE DC are celebrating 160 years of freedom with a day of culture and community. The festival will feature local DJs, dancers, and spoken word poets, as well as food and drink. Swing through for an hour or stay the whole time!
Harriet's House: Juneteenth on the Front Porch โฐ 6 - 9 p.m. ๐ RSVPfor location Celebrate Juneteenth with Harriet's Wildest Dreams and the Free DC Chocolate City contingent at Harriet's House Front Porch. There will be food, beverages, and performances by the Freedom Future Collective.
SATURDAY, JUNE 20
Juneteenth Pop-Up Hike โฐ Meet at 10:30 a.m.; hike begins at 11 a.m. ๐ Anacostia Recreation Center (1800 Anacostia Dr. SE) The Hike Crew and All Good Friends are partnering with DPR for a three-mile Juneteenth weekend stroll. After an easy hike, head over to the All Good Friends Juneteenth cookout. RSVP here.
Cleanup in Anacostia Park โฐ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. ๐ Anacostia Roller Skating Pavilion (1500 Anacostia Dr. SE) Join District Cleanups and Friends of Anacostia Park for their June cleanup. Gloves and grabbers will be provided; just bring yourself. They'll wrap up around noon at The Brig beer garden.
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
The D.C. Occupation: A discussion with local veterans โฐ 6 - 8 p.m. ๐ All Souls Unitarian Church (1500 Harvard St. NW) With the National Guard patrolling D.C. streets โ and more troops on the way โ members of Free DC's veterans' group will walk you through what it means to be deployed, what choices National Guard members have, and what consequences they face for refusing orders. They will also review instances of abuse by National Guard members during their deployment in D.C., and listen to neighbors' testimony about their experiences. RSVP here. (Note: The space may not be air conditioned.)
Colleen is a 51st co-founder and a former DCist reporter. Her work has appeared in NPR, Street Sense Media, and The Washington Post. She currently lives in New York, where she's pursuing an MFA.
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