Juneteenth is a federal holiday celebrated on June 19, but events are set to take place throughout this week in Akron and Northeast Ohio.
Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their emancipation, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed a proclamation giving enslaved people their freedom.
In Akron, the date is an opportunity for communities to remember the anniversary of the effective end of slavery in the United States and celebrate shared culture. Community members already came together last Sunday, June 7, for the downtown Akron Juneteenth kick-off celebration, hosted by Downtown Akron Partnership.
Here’s a list of local events to celebrate the holiday. Did we miss one? Please email us at news@signalakron.org.
June 17, 19, 20 | Juneteenth “Stronger Together” celebration | Various locations
The Akron Urban League, Akron NAACP and Freedom BLOC are hosting three days of festivities, parades, fireworks and conversations to honor history, culture, unity and collective progress. Click here to learn about all of the events.
They include:
Wednesday, June 17, 5:30 p.m. | People Feeding People Community Distribution Day | Freedom Bloc, 848 W. Exchange St.
Friday, June 19, beginning at 5 p.m. | Juneteenth Education & Celebration | Akron Urban League, 440 Vernon Odom Blvd.
This “conversations and cocktails” event from 5 to 7 p.m. will discuss Building Solidarity Economies — Remembering the Past So We Can Build the Future. Cocktails will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. From dusk to 10 p.m., watch the Fireworks at Freedom Land, located at the Freedom Bloc, 848 W. Exchange St.
Saturday, June 20, noon | 50th Annual West Akron Parade, Juneteenth Edition | Buchtel CLC, 1040 Copley Road
The parade, presented by Village Keepers of Ohio, the John R. Buchtel CLC PTA and the Summit County Historical Society, runs from Buchtel Community Learning Center to the John Brown House.
Saturday, June 20, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Juneteenth Celebration | Akron Urban League, 440 Vernon Odom Blvd.
Live entertainment, community vendors, food and family activities highlight this cultural celebration.
More Juneteenth events in the Akron area
June 17-20 | Juneteenth Commemoration | Hale Farm & Village
Hale Farm & Village is putting on a Juneteenth commemoration that takes visitors back in time to 1870. The event puts the historic village on display with historical reenactors and features activities, demonstrations and discussions that bring up questions of civil rights, democracy and freedom. Entry for members is free; other ticket prices range from $12.24 to $17.59.
Thursday, June 18, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Juneteenth Community Event | Summit Lake Community Center, 380 W. Crosier St.
Greenleaf Family Center is hosting its second annual free Juneteenth community event this Thursday. The celebration aims to bring together families and connect community members who are expecting or who have young children to local resources. Registration is required.
Thursday, June 18, 4-7 p.m. | Juneteenth Community Celebration | Mason Park Community Center
The Akron Hope program, part of The Well CDC, is hosting a family-friendly event with interactive art, line dancing, music and free food. The event will be held at Mason Park Community Center at 700 E. Exchange St.
🗓️ New events calendar! From block parties to concerts and kids’ activities, find fun around Akron and Summit County all year long. Dive into the calendar and start planning.
Friday, June 19, 7-10 p.m. | Angry Cow Poetry Juneteenth Celebration | Rialto Theatre, 1000 Kenmore Blvd.
Angry Cow Poetry is bringing together 10 poets from Akron, Cleveland, Chicago and Baltimore for a friendly slam poetry Juneteenth celebration. An open mic is being held for an hour at the start, with the featured event happening at 8 p.m.
Friday, June 19, 7 p.m. | Srina Lounge Juneteenth Celebration | Srina Tea House & Cafe
Srina Tea House & Cafe is hosting a Juneteenth celebration intended to spark connection and conversation in the Akron community. There will be live music, food and Srina teas at the event.
Friday, June 19, 4:30 p.m. | A Day of Jubilation Juneteenth Panel | The John Brown House, 514 Diagonal Road
The Summit County Historical Society will host a panel discussion that aims to explore the purpose and origin of the Juneteenth holiday. With four panelists who include community members and religious leaders, the discussion revolves around the spirituality of Juneteenth and the significance behind the holiday. The free event begins at 4:30 p.m. and is open to the public.
Friday, June 19, 11:30 a.m. | Free Lunch Friday Juneteenth Special | Mustill Store Museum & Trailhead, 57 W. North St.
The Cascade Locks Park Association is hosting its usual free lunch Friday with “something extra special” being served in honor of Juneteenth. The event features live music at the historic site.