Blog 6/14/22

First celebrated as “Jubilee Day” in 1866, Juneteenth commemorates and celebrates the day the U.S. government freed the last Americans from slavery. On June 19, 1865, Union troops entered Galveston, TX and announced the end of the Civil War and slavery a full two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. While Juneteenth celebrates freedom, it also acknowledges this cruel delay of justice.

As we celebrate the joy of freedom and progress, we also recognize that there is more work to do. Many Black Americans choose to uplift Juneteenth in addition to – or instead of – the July 4^th holiday. Some celebrate neither. Choosing to celebrate, or not to celebrate, either holiday is a personal decision. Non-Black individuals often find celebrating Juneteenth more meaningful when they follow the lead of their Black friends and colleagues.

Looking for a Juneteenth celebration?

Check out these events happening across the state:

Athens

Juneteenth Celebration (Ohio University) | SAT, JUNE 18

Cincinnati

Juneteenth Festival | SAT, JUNE 18

Cleveland

Mx. Juneteenth | SAT, JUNE 18
Equitas Health is a proud sponsor of this event.

Juneteenth Freedom Fest | SAT, JUNE 18

Columbus

Juneteenth Ohio Festival | SAT, JUNE 18 – 19
For a list of all Columbus area Juneteenth events, click here.

Lima

Juneteenth Festival | SAT, JUNE 18

Reynoldsburg

Juneteenth Celebration | SAT, JUNE 18
Equitas Health is a proud sponsor of this event.

Want to learn more about Juneteenth?

Follow these links:

• Juneteenth Resource Guide | Edmonds College Library
• FAQ: What is Juneteenth? | VOX Magazine
• Juneteenth: The History of a New Holiday | The New York Times
• The Juneteenth Flag | CNN