 |  | | June 19, 2025 Today marks the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth. It's a day to celebrate, but also a day to reflect on the nation's ongoing journey toward inclusivity and equality. In the words of Kynala Phillips, who authored our June cover story about the Madison celebration of the holiday: "The 160th anniversary of Juneteenth is occurring in a difficult political climate, where discussions around race and history are increasingly politicized, challenged and, in some cases, erased. In Madison, where we straddle the reality of being named one of the best places to live in the U.S. and one of the worst places for Black Americans, Juneteenth symbolizes resistance and gives Black Madisonians a chance to declare they belong.
At the same time, the anniversary comes as Madison's Black community starts a new chapter. 2025 welcomes two cultural and enterprise centers — The Center for Black Excellence and Culture (currently under construction) and the Black Business Hub (opened in August 2024) — dedicated to uplifting Black voices and strengthening opportunities for Madison's Black community."
Read the full story here — and don't miss the 36th-annual celebration on June 21 in Penn Park.
Also in this week's newsletter:
🏠 Get ready for the 75th annual Madison Area Parade of Homes
🎵 Make Music Madison, an album release show and an outdoor movie
🕵️ A new biography of crime fiction great Elmore Leonard
Anna Kottakis is digital editor at Madison Magazine. Reach her at akottakis@madisonmagazine.com. | | | |  | | The most recent highlights from Josh Spreiter's "In the 608" morning segment on News 3 Now | | | From Josh: This week, I previewed a few exciting events in Dane County — starting with the Strawberry Shortcake Social in McFarland on June 22. The annual fundraising event for the Larson House, a restored Victorian home and museum features homemade shortcake (with fresh strawberries), live, local entertainment and free tours of the house.
The Madison Area Parade of Homes starts this Friday, June 20, and continues through Sunday, June 29. Yesterday, I previewed the event from inside of one of the Waunakee homes that participants will be able to tour. This year, the parade includes 33 stunning homes in Dane County, from stylish starter homes to luxurious estates.
Watch the rest of this week's In the 608 segments here.
Josh Spreiter is an Emmy award-winning anchor/reporter for News 3 Now This Morning. | | | | | |  | | A round-up of weekend events in the Madison area | | | | | |  |  | | | From June 20-22, Midwest Linen Revival hosts Field to Frock, a series of events highlighting the potential for regional flax plant-to-linen cloth production. | | | | | | A new concept from Food Fight Restaurant Group offers burritos, bowls and salads on Monroe Street. | | | | | | This local queer and feminist bookstore remains a pillar of Madison's LGBTQ+ community. | | | | | | June Dairy Month is the perfect time to enjoy fresh local dairy products. Check out a Breakfast on the Farm near you! | | | | |  | | The latest from a longtime Madison Magazine columnist | | | |
