As Juneteenth becomes more widely recognized, many people are realizing it's more than just a midweek break from work.
Known by many names, including Black Independence Day, Freedom Day and its official title, Juneteenth National Independence Day, the annual June 19 commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States has been observed by Black Americans since the late 1800s.
More recently, people of various races, ethnicities and colors also are educating themselves on the history and significance of Juneteenth, which President Joe Biden declared a federal holiday in 2021.
What is Juneteenth?
On the eve before Jan. 1, 1863, enslaved and free Black citizens waited anxiously for news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. As New Year's Day arrived, it was announced that all enslaved people in Confederate states were legally free.
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However, the proclamation could not be carried out in places still under Confederate control. So, it wasn't until two and a half years later, June 19, 1865, that Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, a Union general during the Civil War, arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform some 250,000 enslaved people of their freedom and the end of the war.
Juneteenth is the oldest internationally celebrated remembrance of the ending of slavery in the U.S., according to juneteenth.com. The site also states that early celebrations included prayer and family gatherings, and later, annual pilgrimages to Galveston by former enslaved people and their families.
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Today, celebrations range from picnics, cookouts and family reunions to street fairs, historical reenactments and festivals such as the Juneteenth Ohio Festival, which takes place for the 27th year from noon to 11 p.m. on June 15-16 in Genoa Park, 303 W. Broad St.
Billing itself as a "family weekend of cultural discovery," the festival offers music, soul food and vendors, as well as a college and career fair, wellness pavilion, fashion show, classic car show, a Father's Day tribute and more. Admission is free both days until 3 p.m., after which it costs $20 for adults and $5 for children.
Here are some other Juneteenth activities taking place in the area:
2024 Juneteenth Celebration
When: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday Where: MLK Auditorium, Room 132 at Hale Hall, 154 W. 12th Ave. (OSU)What: Celebrate Black excellence by creating art at a crafting station, then enjoy a catered meal and panel discussion, followed by a spoken-word performance.
Juneteenth on the Ave
When: noon to 6 p.m. SaturdayWhere: Mt. Vernon Avenue, between 17th Street and St. Clair AvenueWhat: With live entertainment, vendors and a Black-owned food-truck festival, this event showcases performing and visual arts while promoting and supporting Black-owned businesses. Juneteenth on the Ave is also a celebration of Black resilience and creativity.
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Juneteenth Walk and Run
When: 9 a.m. Saturday Where: Columbus Metropolitan Library - Shepard Branch, 850 N. Nelson RoadWhat: In addition to celebrating Juneteenth, this free, open-to-all event promotes freedom and inclusion. Runners can pick one of three distances: 1-mile Underground Railroad marker; 5K Underground Trail; 4-mile Underground Trail. There also is to be raffle prizes including free entries to the Columbus Marathon 5K and 1-mile events.Registration: Sign up at bit.ly/4c7ugBu.
Juneteenth Jubilee Day Festival
When: noon to 4 p.m. Sunday Where: Ohio Village and Ohio History Center, 800 E. 17th Ave.What: Visitors will be transported to an 1890’s Juneteenth observation beginning with a Jubilee parade at 12:15 p.m., followed by historical interpretations, storytelling, dance and other activities. In the Ohio History Center, there is to be a screening and conversation about Black imagery in film, a program on Afrofuturism and Afro-nostalgia, plus other events. Admission is free. For a schedule, visit bit.ly/4bSS8Jw.
Juneteenth and Father's Day Celebration
When: 2-5 p.m. SundayWhere: Grange Insurance Audubon Center, 505 W. Whittier St.What: The guest speaker is to be Columbus-born author Dudley Edmondson, who penned "What's that Flower? A Beginner's Guide to Wildflowers" and "The Black & Brown Faces in America's Wild Places," showcasing African Americans making nature and the environment a part of their everyday lives. Guests are invited to take Dad on walk in the park guided by Edmonson after his presentation. RSVP at bit.ly/3XeK01f.
Reynoldsburg Juneteenth Celebration
When: 4-8 p.m. TuesdayWhere: Huber Park, 7304 E. Livingston Ave.What: A variety of food and live performances are highlights at this observation.
2024 Juneteenth Commemoration
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 19Where: King Arts Complex, 835 Mt. Vernon Ave.What: Planned attractions include a community yard sale, food, music, vendors and Juneteenth poetry slam at 2 p.m. In the case of rain, the event is to be moved inside.
Juneteenth in Gahanna
When: 4-7 p.m. June 19Where: Shepherd Church of the Nazarene, 425 S. Hamilton RoadWhat: Be moved and uplifted by powerful music and messages at this event featuring an assortment of speakers and performances by local gospel musicians, including a special appearance by Gahanna Lincoln High School alumnus and musician Hawc Griffin.Cost: Tickets are $10 at gahanna.gov/555/Gahanna-175.
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Juneteenth: A Celebration for Everyone
When: 3:30-8 p.m. June 19Where: Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater, 170 E. Dublin Granville Road, New AlbanyWhat: New Albany's second community Juneteenth celebration offers dancing, drumming, spoken word, music, food trucks, vendors and more. Fun for kids includes jewelry making, face painting, mural painting and Juneteenth education and activities.
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
When: 3-8 p.m. June 22Where: John Bishop Park (aka Orton Davis), 4783 Langley Ave., WhitehallWhat: Food, live music, visits with local artists, a splash pad, family games and a cornhole tournament
WeRISE Juneteenth Celebration
When: noon to 5 p.m. June 23Where: The Point at Otterbein University, 60 Collegeview Road, WestervilleWhat: WeRISE for Greater Westerville promises a day filled with joy, unity, with music and food.
Juneteenth BASH (Black Authors Spotlight on Heritage) Book Festival
When: 1:30-4:30 p.m. June 23Where: Columbus Metropolitan Library - Martin Luther King Branch, 1467 E. Long St.What: BASH will shine a light on Black authors and their contributions to literature, along with refreshments, swag bags, a photo booth, performances, music, a food truck and free health screenings.Registration: Register for free at bit.ly/4eeqZ5d to reserve a spot and get a free raffle ticket for a chance to win a prize.
The Kelton House Museum & Garden
Where: 586 E. Town St.When: June 22-23What: The museum is offering free tours both days at noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Guests can learn about the Keltons, who held deep antislavery beliefs, their connection to the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad. Please arrive five minutes before the tour begins.
