Mark Bolt sells shirts he designed for Juneteenth, alongside other Black-owned businesses, vendors and activity booths. (Credit: Kate Jackson)
PHILADELPHIA - Ninety-degree heat didn't stop people from coming out for the Juneteenth Block Party at the African American Museum in Philadelphia on Thursday.
Black-owned businesses filled the area at 7th and Arch Streets, with everything from face paint to food trucks to pop-up jewelry shops.
The block party kicked off Wawa’s Welcome America 2025, with free admission from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Hosted by radio announcer Patty Jackson, the event featured live music from various artists, including Lady Alma, DJ RL and Mother Bethel A.M.E. Choir, among many others.
Aside from performances, visitors also came out for the beer garden, food trucks, free book giveaways and ticket giveaways for Philadelphia’s July Fourth concert featuring LL COOL J and Jazmine Sullivan.
People shuffle in to listen to the live music. A variety of performers will take the block party's stage, including several DJs and choir groups. (Credit: Kate Jackson)The main attraction, the African American Museum, provided free admission from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. By noon, the line had already stretched around the corner.
Phoenix Dawkins said she decided to come to the block party with her grandmother, who had never seen the museum. Having gone a couple of times, Dawkins wanted to show it to her.
Dawkins said that they would make it their eventual goal, despite the line. She said she was excited to explore the other shops in the meantime.
When asked why the block party was important, Dawkins emphasized the value of community involvement.
“It means a lot to the community and a lot to a lot of other people,” Dawkins said. “Because of that, I want to be involved, and I want to come out, even if it doesn't have a specific impact on me, it has a specific impact on other people I support in the community.”
Dawkins and her grandmother were waiting at the Independence Blue Cross stand, where volunteers were selling fruit to customers.
Several other stands gave out educational pamphlets and merchandise. The African American Genealogy Group spread out an array of coloring books for kids and families.
The group aims to educate and provide resources about African American family history and genealogical research. Treasurer Velinda Banks said the organization’s aim today is to celebrate that history and the shared community heritage.
“We’re having a ball out here,” Banks said. “The people are excited, and I love the smiles and conversation.”
Banks brought a neck fan, courtesy of her husband, to fight the heat.
Many attendees also brought folding chairs and camped out under the shade. Those who were overheating quickly headed to one of two water ice stands to cool off.
Tamara and Jeff Craddock stopped at Rita’s before exploring the clothing and antique stands.
Tamara said she was disappointed when she couldn’t come last year because of the heat, but she was excited to get to see the museum today.
“It's important to come out for the community, too,” Tamara said. “We’re having fun already.”
The African American Museum is one of several places offering free admission for Juneteenth. (Credit: Kate Jackson)Brittany Battle-Lias, of Uncle Bobby’s Coffee and Books, brought an array of Juneteenth books to sell at her pop-up shop, alongside several children’s books and history books.
Despite the heat, she said she was having a great time while promoting the bookstore.
“Everyone is loving us, and you know, ‘Saying, I've been meaning to come to the store and I heard so much about you,” Battle-Lias said. “So, I'm excited for the day.”
The Juneteenth and Wawa Welcome America celebrations will continue into the weekend, with several museums hosting free admission days and more block parties.
The Avenue of the Arts Block Party will be held Saturday, starting at noon and the For the Fans Block Party with the Phillies and Philadelphia Soccer will be held Sunday afternoon.
Also on Sunday, Philadelphia will host its annual Juneteenth Parade and Festival beginning at 12:30 p.m. Festivities will include a marketplace, youth pavilion and music festival held in the Malcom X Memorial Park throughout the day.
