Co-written by Jillian Holness for Signal Akron
Three years ago, Felicia C. Haney, director of public relations at Beech Street PR, said she got a call from Woodmere Village Mayor Benjamin Holbert asking her to create the city’s first Juneteenth celebration.
Juneteenth is an annual commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States after the Civil War. It has been celebrated by African Americans since the late 1800s. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation that made Juneteenth (June 19) a federal holiday.
Woodmere Village’s first event brought dozens of neighbors to its Juneteenth celebration, which included an African drum circle, DJs, line dancing, local Black storytellers and vendors. Now, for Woodmere Village’s third annual event, Friday, June 14, from 7 to 10 p.m., Han said she hopes hundreds of Clevelanders will come together to celebrate the holiday and its history.
Haney said Woodmere Village’s festival will also celebrate the city’s 80th anniversary. Attendees will have a chance to record oral histories and make their experiences of living in Woodmere part of the city’s chronicle.
The oral histories will be presented at the city’s official anniversary celebration in November, Haney said.
“It’s been a labor of love over the years, but such a joyous celebration for our neighbors and their families,” Haney said. “The event also brings out so much pride for folks in our community.”
Woodmere Village’s Juneteenth festival will honor Black cowboys, taking inspiration from Beyonce’s song “This Ain’t Texas, Ain’t No Hold ‘Em.”
This idea is to acknowledge the last enslaved people who were held in Galveston, Texas, and notified of their freedom two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, Haney said.
Hosted by Ahmaad Crump of the Cleveland Cavaliers, this year’s event will feature live music performances from DJ Lily Jade and Hashtag Virgo. There will also be food trucks, mechanical bull rides, pony and horse rides for kids and an outdoor movie screening of “Outlaw Johnny Black.” Comedian, actress and Shaker Heights native Kym Whitley is featured in the film.
“It’s going to be lots of fun,” Haney said.
Juneteenth 2024 in Ohio: Where to observe federal holiday in The Buckeye State
Ohio is gearing up to celebrate Juneteenth 2024 with a wide range of events across the state. From Akron to Oberlin, Columbus to Cincinnati, there will be plenty of opportunities to observe the history and importance of the day.
In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday. Three years later, our nation is still trying to decide the best way to enjoy June 19, from celebrating to learning to remembering.
Here’s a glimpse of some notable events happening across Ohio. Know an event we should highlight? Email [email protected].
Cleveland
United Black Fund Greater Cleveland Annual Meeting & GUMBO Party
What: United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland hosts its annual meeting featuring an in-depth genealogy conversation followed by a house-party-inspired performance by GUMBO. This free community event at 2061 West 25th St. includes complimentary heavy appetizers and drinks. When: Doors open at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19.
What: Literary Cleveland partners with ThirdSpace Action Lab to present a one-day arts festival dedicated to Black history, freedom and togetherness. The program, at ThirdSpace Action Lab, 1464 E. 105th St., is open to ages 18 and over. Registration gives attendees space to participate in every activity, including a creative writing workshop. When: From noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 22.
What: It is Third Space Reading Room’s third birthday. Author Brea Baker will make her stop in to discuss her upcoming book, “Rooted: The American Legacy of Land Theft and the Modern Movement for Black Land Ownership” with ThirdSpace Co-Founder and former Yale classmate, Mordecai Cargill. When: Sunday, June 23 starting at 6 p.m.
Pre-order or register for the event here: ThirdSpace Reading Room.
Akron
The City of Akron announced it will partner with the Akron Urban League to host a Juneteenth celebration this Wednesday, June 19, from 1 to 7 p.m. at the John S. Knight Center.
The event essentially replaces at least three celebrations that were canceled over the weekend because of security concerns.
Honoring our Past. Celebrating the Present. Renewing Faith in the Future
What: The John Brown Institute of the Summit County Historical Society of Akron will partner with several organizations for an evening of activities, including a bus tour of African American historical sites around the city, a hike to the John Brown monument and a spoken word performance by Xposyur. When: June 19. Where: 530 Copley Rd.
Columbus
What: King Arts Complex celebrates Juneteenth with in-person activities, including a community yard sale, poetry slam and virtual programs, 20 and Odd commemorating 400 years of Africans in America through dance and drama and the Lucy Depp Experience that explores a family’s lineage. When: June 19. Where: King Arts Complex, 835 Mt. Vernon Ave.
What: United Skates Columbus presents a family roller skating event celebrating freedom and community. When: June 19. Where: United Skates of America- 3362 Refugee Rd.
Empress Energy: A Juneteenth Dance Celebration
What: Celebrate Juneteenth and the empowerment of Black women through dance and music. When: June 21. Where 144 N Wall St.
What: Central Ohio African American Chamber of Commerce and Columbus Urban League features food, vendors and line dancing at this community event. When: June 19. Where: 788 Mount Vernon Ave.
Cincinnati
What: Join the National Underground Freedom Center for its Juneteenth Jubilee. The celebration offers extended hours and free admission to The Freedom Center. The jubilee will also include a march down the banks to the Ohio River, the symbolic River Jordan over which thousands of enslaved people crossed into freedom on the Underground Railroad. When: June 19. Where: 50 East Freedom Way.
What: Four Black community leaders sit on the panel and speak on their personal experience with Juneteenth and what it means to them. When: June 22. Where: The Columns, 109 W. Elder St.