The Juneteenth Block Party at the African American Museum of Philadelphia runs from noon until 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Activities include live music, vendors, food trucks, art-making and interactive activities.
"We're just really grateful to be out here amongst our people celebrating such a significant holiday," said Tiffany Murphy, owner of Art & Soul Boutique and Gallery.
Honoring history and celebrating freedom at the Juneteenth Block Party in Philadelphia
There will be a performance of General Order Number 3, which was read in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865.
It announced the freedom of all slaves two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
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"Juneteenth is a part of the American narrative. When you think about the plight of African Americans obtaining freedom, and when you talk about the plight of freedom just overall, universally, it's important to understand that Juneteenth as a very significant place," said Chris Miller, the executive vice president of the AAMP.
"It's fine to say 'Happy Juneteenth,'" he continued, "But what we want to encourage people is that we want people to celebrate, but we also want you to have a better understanding of our history at the same time."
"The legacy and the history goes beyond the borders of Texas. We have the opportunity to celebrate the back union soldiers that participated," said Miller.
Here representing the 3rd Regiment United States Colored Troops is Albert El, sharing the military history, "Know thy self."
"Our history is out here. People need to talk to each other," he said.
Broadcast journalist Soledad O'Brien will moderate a panel from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., providing space for deeper conversations. It will include Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Joanna McClinton, who will focus on hurdles overcome by Black women in politics.
Kesha Lance Bottoms, former Mayor of Atlanta, will also take part in the conversation about the significance of the federal holiday.
The event also celebrates the 45th annual Black Music Month, including a performance from Kid 'N Play.