OHIO — Cities across the Buckeye State have preparations underway for Juneteenth.
The federal holiday is a celebration of the official end of slavery when Union troops arrived at Galveston Bay, Texas on June 19, 1865. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was decreed in 1863, it did not take effect in Confederate states. Only when the Thirteenth Amendment was passed did emancipation become a national policy.
Here is a list of 2024 events celebrating Juneteenth across Ohio:
Cleveland
MetroHealth’s Cleveland Juneteenth Freedom Fest
When: June 18, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Mall C, downtown next to City Hall at 601 Lakeside Ave.
Among the festivities will be a vendor village to spotlight Black businesses and entrepreneurs. There will also be community programs, education, spoken-word performances, interactive art demonstrations, food trucks and beverage concessions. Admission is free.
When: June 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Glenview Park, 424 East 110th St.
Held by the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, this event begins with an outdoor mass at 10 a.m. with the the Diocesan Gospel Choir. From 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. games will be provided by Recess Cleveland! Food will be provided by Eleanor's Cafe and music by Foxx & Company. There is limited seating and visitors are asked to bring chairs or a blanket.
In case of rain mass will be held at St. Agatha-St. Aloysius Church.
When: June 16, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
This community event is free with an RSVP and serves as one of the museum's Rock the Block Community Days. It, "is a community event for and by Black Queer folx to commemorate Juneteenth, a holiday for reverence, remembrance, and celebration."
Akron
26th Annual Juneteenth Festival
When: June 15 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Stoner/Hawkins Park, 1201 S. Hawkins Ave.
Hosted by Akron Black Coalition and the City of Akron, this event is set to celebrate26 years of service, culture and freedom in the African-American Akron Community.
Hosted by Akron Urban League, this event requires registration beforehand. The league's Juneteenth celebration consists of special performances, raffles, games and several sessions focusing on banned books, health equity and "Justice Jayland" where a healing circle will be held.
When: June 21, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: The Knight Stage, Akron Civic Theatre
The Mix & Mingle will provide community members a chance to network and get to know some of Akron's Black-owned downtown businesses. Registration will be required as space is limited. Click here to check for ticket availability.
Juneteenth Celebration Saturday Family Celebration
When: June 22, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Cascade Plaza
This event is free for all ages and will feature a Black-owned business vendor fair, live performances, activities, crafts and games. After 7 p.m., live music will be available in the Lock 3 Back Yard including a free concert at 8:30 pm by the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
Columbus
When: June 15-16
Where: Genoa Park, 303 West Broad Street Downtown Columbus
This two-day event ois hosted by Sistah Lou and features several concerts, food, educational opportunities and a classic car show. Adult admission is $20 and children cost $5 after 3 p.m. on either day. Visitors are asked to bring lawn chairs.
When: June 15, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 835 Mr. Vernon Ave.
This event takes place in Bronzeville Columbus and will feature a "city-wide, family-friendly celebration."
Juneteenth Jubilee Day Festival
When: June 16, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Ohio Village, 800 East 17th Ave.
The free event is offering a historical celebration, taking visitors back to an 1890's Juneteenth observation. Among the activities are historical interpretations, storytelling and dance.
When: June 16 at 8 a.m.
Where: Columbus Metropolitan Library - Shepard Branch, 850 N Nelson Road
Hosted by Fleet Feet Columbus, the event is open to all with several distances available including: 1 Mile Underground Railroad Marker, 5K Underground Trail Distance and 4 Mile Underground Trail Distance. While free, participants must register by clicking here. There will be raffles including gift cards to Fleet Feet and free entries to the Columbus Marathon 5K and 1 mile events to honor the legacy of Jesse Owens.
Cincinnati
When: June 15-16, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday; 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday
Where: Eden Park
This event features musical performances ranging from jazz to reggaeton with activities including books, games, crafts and horseback rides. Admission is free and a free parking shuttle will also be available. On Sunday, a Father's Day concert will be held as well.
When: June 16, beginning at 10 a.m.
Where: The parade begins from the intersection of W. Court and Linn Streets, going up Court Street and halting at the vibrant intersection of Plum and Richmond Streets.
The theme of the 2024 parade is "Roots and Rhythm," and this is the parade's third year celebrating Juneteenth. Performances will vary from traditional African beats to contemporary music genres to showcase the diversity of African American culture.
Dayton
When: June 14, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Dayton Metro Library- Northwest Branch, 2410 Philadelphia Drive
This free event will bring community leaders together to share stories on self-love, solidarity, gentrification and more. Visitors are invited to join discussions and enjoy light hors d’oeuvres.
Juneteenth Music Festival in Huber Heights
When: June 16, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Eichelberger Amphitheater in Huber Heights, 8625 Brandt Pike
This music festival will include performances from Ric Sexton and Friends, Luther Suede, Rhonda Sumlin, DJ Oscar and headlining the festival, Gemstone. There will be several Black-owned business vendors and food trucks in attendance.
Kettering Health's Juneteenth, "A Freedom Celebration"
When: June 23, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Sinclair Community College, 444 W Third St.
The free family-event will have performaces from the Jazz Renaissance Band, SoL, and the Bi-Okoto African Dancers. Shree Phillips will perform and spoken word performances from A Slate, Gifted, Zeda Stew, Victoria Pepperoni, and special guest Michael Carter. Parking is available in Lot C, and enter through Building 12 from the north or south side, then take the elevator up to the 1st floor.