Notice

This is a preview version of the website. Some content may not be up to date.

Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

Overview News & Stories Events & Opportunities Subscribe
Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Overview Join Us Renew Your Membership Donate Partner With Us Job Opportunities
Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

Overview News & Stories Events & Opportunities Subscribe
Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Overview Join Us Renew Your Membership Donate Partner With Us Job Opportunities

Juneteenth is a celebration of the final emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The holiday has its origins in Texas, the last state to recognize the legitimacy of the Emancipation Proclamation. On June 19, 1865, the state issued General Orders No. 3, which officially informed enslaved people that they were free citizens. Since then, the holiday has grown to become a national celebration of freedom, Black history, and Black vibrancy. In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday.

In recognition of this important date, we have gathered examples of community celebrations from five Main Street communities.

Downtown Metuchen (New Jersey)

Metuchen’s second annual Juneteenth Celebration, in partnership with the Metuchen Human Rights Commission and the Metuchen Edison branch of the NAACP, was centered around the theme of Afrofuturism. Afrofuturism is “the story of musicians, artists, writers, philosophers, fashion icons, filmmakers, costume and set designers, actors, activists and academics who have believed in a better future for Black people.” The event featured music and performances from drumline, step-dancer, and majorette groups.

Charles Town Now (West Virginia)

Charles Town Now commissioned a street mural from local artist Christina Rogombe. Check out this TikTok showing the painting of the mural here >

Downtown Springfield (Illinois)

Downtown Springfield, a Levitt AMP Grant recipient, hosted a full weekend of Juneteenth events. They kicked things off with a Levitt AMP Series Concert on June 16. On June 17, they hosted a Free Block Party and a Noir Art Exhibit at the Illinois State Museum. On June 18, people attended the Juneteenth Parade and the Juneteenth Celebration featuring local Black-owned restaurants. Check out this great video sharing what Juneteenth means to people in Springfield >

Delmar Main Street (Missouri)

On Saturday, June 18, Delmar hosted the 2022 Juneteenth Festival. The celebration included the Delmar Maker’s District, a street market full of innovative products created by young entrepreneurs. The Better Family Life Drum Warriors performed at the Exodus Art Gallery. The Craft Alliance hosted an outdoor performance, exhibitions, and hands-on activities. A health and wellness gathering included yoga, taekwondo, and a retail market. The festival culminated with the Happy Hour Block Party in partnership with local restaurants, shops, and musicians.

Wheeling Heritage (West Virginia)

Following their annual tradition, Wheeling went all out in celebration of Juneteenth. Festivities began with ‘Lunch with Books: Crossing the River for Freedom’ and the Ohio County Public Library. The Wheeling YWCA hosted a ‘Celebrating Black Resilience and Culture,’ which shared the story of Henry Brown, an enslaved man who escaped slavery by shipping himself within a wooden box. On June 19, the Wheeling Juneteenth Ceremony and Celebration featured music, entertainment, and food trucks.