In 1863, during the American Civil War, Pres. Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared more than three million slaves living in the Confederate states to be free. More than two years would pass, however, before the news reached African Americans living in Texas. It was not until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, that the state’s residents finally learned that slavery had been abolished. The former slaves immediately began to celebrate with prayer, feasting, song, and dance.
Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) officially became a federal holiday in 2021.
Here’s a round up of Juneteeth Celebrations around the Miami Valley
Paul Laurence Dunbar: A Juneteenth Celebration
Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center 1 W 2nd St, Dayton, OHThe Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates the sesquicentennial anniversary (150 years) of the birth of Paul Laurence Dunbar, acclaimed African-American poet born in Dayton, OH, to parents who had been enslaved in Kentucky prior to the civil war. Classical meets gospel as the DPO performs a beautiful program of music honoring America’s long march towards a more perfect union.
Oregon District Juneteenth Celebration
Oregon District Fifth Street and Brown Street, Dayton, OHThe public can enjoy the family-friendly festivities such as face painting, jumbo Jenga, and an array of games, a wide variety of black-owned food trucks offering a selection of bites and treats, local organizations and businesses coming together to showcase the best Dayton has to offer!
Sponsors for the event include Oregon District Business Association, NW Dayton Partnership’s Learn to Earn, and venture development firm Trep House.
With the Juneteenth celebration, Genuine Work and its partners seek to highlight the success of the Black and Brown community, particularly the triumphs of minority-owned businesses within Dayton. As champions of equality, Genuine Work, ODBA, and the Northwest Dayton Partnership hope to connect the larger Dayton community to some of the thriving small businesses and entrepreneur’s integral to the fabric of western Ohio. Find a new favorite food truck, wine, boutique, service providers and more all while celebrating progress!
Springboro Juneteenth Jubilee
North Park Amphitheatre 195 Tamarack Trail, Springboro, OHThe Springboro Juneteenth Jubilee is a family-friendly community celebration being held on June 18, 2022, honoring the important day in our nation’s history, June 19, 1865, when we all truly became free. On this day, the last slaves in Galveston, Texas were finally told of their freedom, nearly two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation had abolished slavery. On this day, we celebrate our shared history, freedom, and continued commitment to equity and inclusion for all.
WHY JUNETEENTH IN SPRINGBORO?
Springboro is a significant landmark in the history of the Underground Railroad and abolitionist movement. Our founding Quaker community played a major role as a safe harbor for slaves paving the way for freedom for Black Americans.
Enjoy fun for the entire family as you celebrate the Springboro Juneteenth Jubilee at six unique venues across the city the weekend of Juneteenth. Attend all six or choose your favorites. On Saturday, a shuttle will be available to take you to each location. Enjoy music and live performances at North Park, explore sites of the Underground Railroad, bicycle in our Freedom Ride, or sign up for our 3-on-3 basketball tournament.a safe harbor for slaves paving the way for freedom for Black Americans.
Troy’s Juneteenth Walk & Celebration
Race & McKaig Park 831 McKaig Ave, Troy, OHTHE WALK:
WHEN: Saturday, June 18th, 2022
TIME: 3:00PM – 4:00 PM
WHERE: Community March/Walk Beginning At Brukner Park Behind Troy Public Library. We Will Start Lining Up At 3:00PM & Start Walking @ 3:30PM.
THE CELEBRATION:
WHEN: Saturday, June 18th, 2022
TIME: 4:00PM – 6:30PM
WHERE: Race & McKaig Park Across From Richards Chapel United Methodist Church, 831 McKaig Ave, Troy, OH 45373
Juneteenth Concert Ft. Mumu Fresh
Levitt Pavilion 134 S Main St,, Dayton, OHThis event will feature community curated opening ceremonies from 5:00-7:00 PM celebrating Juneteenth followed by the Mumu Fresh concert.
Mumu Fresh (also known as Maimouna Youssef ) is a GRAMMY-Nominated, Indigenous Music award-winning, Musical Ambassador for the US, former elected Governor of The DC Chapter of The Recording Academy & an Ambassador of The Black Music Collective. Mumu Fresh has toured internationally as a critically acclaimed singer, Emcee, songwriter, activist, workshop facilitator, and now audio engineer who’s been called a “quadruple threat” by The Roots’ Black Thought, a musical “Quasar” by Indie rap legend TechN9ne, & “groundbreaking” by Oscar-winning artist, Common. Mumu Fresh has shared the stage and or collaborated with the likes of Dave Chappelle, The Roots, Salaam Remi, D Smoke, Anderson Paak, Bruno Mars, Femi Kuti, Zap Mama, Nas, Jill Scott, Ed Sheeran, Common, Raphael Saadiq & Tobe Nwigwe just to name a few. Mumu Fresh’s music and philanthropic endeavors have been featured in publications such as Variety, Ebony, Essence, BET, Rolling Stone & more. She is committed to ‘Art Activism’ and has performed within the US prison system, Congressional Black Caucus, I.M.A.N. Central in Chicago, The W. K. Kellogg Foundation, Ford Foundation, The Indigenous People’s Movement, and more, bringing awareness to important social issues. Mumu Fresh is a global citizen, musical healer, cultural philanthropist, and community pillar.
From Wilberforce to Yellow Springs: Juneteenth Walk
National Afro American and Cultural Center 1350 Brush Row Road, Wilberforce, OHWe invite you to join the Yellow Springs Juneteenth Committee and the Daughters of the Underground on a 10-mile walk to honor the history of the Underground Railroad in Ohio and celebrate the emancipation of enslaved Black people in the United States in honor of Juneteenth 2022.
The walk will begin at the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center, on the grounds of Wilberforce University and Central State University, and culminate with a celebration in the Village of Yellow Springs.
Walkers will cross over hallowed ground where enslaved people forged their way to freedom after crossing the Ohio River. Landmarks along the walk route include the Conway Colony marker noting the settlement of a colony of Black people who journeyed from Virginia and settled in the Village of Yellow Springs.
REGISTRATION opens on April 6, 2022. ALL WALKERS must register on Eventbrite BY JUNE 3, 2022 to walk. If you have not pre-registered, you will not be able to participate.
The walk will take place from 8AM to 1PM with a culminating celebration
Juneteenth Music Festival
Eichelberger Amphitheater 8625 Brandt Pike, Huber Heights, OH
