A second annual nationally televised June 19 concert will air live on CNN and OWN, the networks announced Wednesday.
This year’s celebration includes performances by Jodeci, Kirk Franklin, SWV, Coi Leray, Miguel and Davido, with more artists to be announced later.
The concert, titled “Juneteenth: A Worldwide Celebration for Freedom,” is taking place at the historic Greek Theater in Los Angeles, a move from last year’s location at the Hollywood Bowl.
“We are thrilled to continue to elevate the significance of the June 19 holiday,” said Johnita P. Due, executive vice president of integrity and inclusion for CNN Worldwide. “I look forward to the electricity of the 2023 show. It is meticulously designed as an expression of the excellence and resilience of the black community and the continued pursuit of equality.
The event is again produced in partnership with a black creative team with Live Nation Urban and Jesse Collins Entertainment at the helm. Adam Blackstone and Questlove are the musical directors of the concert for the second consecutive year.
Related story: Black performers stand fans up during concert on June 19, 2022 (Photos)
Juneteenth: A Celebration For Freedom returns for 2023 live at the legendary @greek_theatre! ???????
Pre-sale tickets for the live concert experience go on sale today at 12:00 PM EST at https://t.co/JO22Fujow8 with code LNU23. pic.twitter.com/3Cj8jst3if— Live Nation LA (@LiveNation_LA) May 17, 2023
The 2022 concert featured Earth Wind & Fire, Yolanda Adams, Bell Biv DeVoe, Billy Porter, Ne-Yo, Khalid, The Roots, Mary Mary, Anthony Hamilton, Michelle Williams and more artists.
It aired on CNN and was the most-watched show by black audiences of any cable television program and aired in the 8-11 p.m. timeslot. This year, the event is simulcast on OWN, which, like CNN, is part of Warner Bros. Discovery.
“Juneteenth continues to be deeply important to our audience and it’s that deep meaning that makes this simulcast truly feel like an opportunity to give back,” said Tina Perry, President of OWN. “We take this day to celebrate alongside American families and reflect on this historic turning point for our nation.”
This year marks the 158th anniversary of Juneteenth. The day commemorates June 19, 1865, when slaves in Texas learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, two and a half years after it was signed, marking the end of slavery in the United States.
In 2021, President Joe Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday.
“Juneteenth: A Global Celebration of Freedom” takes place in Los Angeles on Monday, June 19. Tickets can be purchased here.
The concert airs live from 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET on CNN and OWN. There will also be pre-show coverage starting at 4:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. ET to highlight African American-only advocates, trailblazers and creators on CNN. OWN’s coverage begins with the concert.