Join the Cultural Vibes at ROC the Block Juneteenth Celebration in Tampa
ROC the Block Returns: Tampa’s Juneteenth Celebration Gears Up for Its Biggest Year Yet
Tampa, get ready! The 5th Annual ROC the Block Juneteenth Celebration is back from June 16–21, bringing a week-long celebration of Black excellence to the Tampa Bay area. The idea for ROC the Block was sparked when Founder Belaji Ajike decided to host an event to support Black-owned businesses during the 2021 Super Bowl in Tampa and has grown into one of the region’s premier cultural festivals.
After a successful Super Bowl event in Tampa Bay, Ajike knew the city needed an event that honored the legacy and Black history of the city so she quickly began planning for a Juneteenth celebration. The first event brought over 1,000 people out and in 2024, ROC the Block drew a crowd of more than 15,000 people.
A Safe, Welcoming Week of Culture and Conversation
“This is a space where everyone is welcome,” says Ajike. “We create a safe, fun, and empowering environment for our people to celebrate who we are.” This isn’t just a one-day party. ROC the Block is a full six-day experience packed with events for the whole community. The week kicks off with a Youth Summit on Monday, June 16 and the powerful State of Our Diaspora Symposium on Tuesday, June 17, both focused on education, empowerment, and elevation.
One of the most anticipated events is the Cultural Couture Ball, taking place on Juneteenth. The ball will be a remix of the Melanated Met Ball in 2019 that attendees have been raving about since. Expect high fashion, elegance and pride during this grown and sexy night where attendees step out in their finest.
The big day is Saturday, June 21, when Raymond James Stadium transforms into the ROC the Block festival grounds. There wills be live performances, a KidZone for the little ones, immersive art installations, and a curated lineup of Black-owned food and retail vendors. Whether you’re showing up to vibe, support local businesses, or soak in the energy, ROC the Block delivers on all fronts.
Don’t Miss Out!
ROC the Block isn’t just a Juneteenth event—it’s a week that educates and uplifts our community. Most events are free but pre-registration is required. For more info and to support Black-owned businesses year-round, visit roctheblockinc.com and shop at afroganix.co.
