What is Juneteenth? When and where can you celebrate in Akron

Molly Walsh, Akron Beacon Journal
·4 min read

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. The holiday, observed June 19, is also a celebration of African American heritage.

From its origin in Galveston, Texas, in 1865, the observance of June 19 as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. President Joe Biden officially made Juneteenth a federal holiday when he signed it into law June 19, 2021.

Here are some events and activities to celebrate Juneteenth and Black culture in and around Akron throughout June:

Juneteenth Brunch

The Akron chapter of Delta Sigma Theta is hosting a free brunch Sunday, June 12 to celebrate Juneteenth at 760 Elma Street. The brunch will feature a hour-long panel discussion on issues of maternal health in the Black community with speakers including Summit County Public Health Director of Family Health Shaleeta Smith.  Registration online asks those planning to attend to bring a donation of items such as Black hair care products, new children's clothing and other items needed at Access Shelter.

Hudson Library Author Series 'On Juneteenth'

The Hudson Library is celebrates Juneteenth with a free virtual lecture from award-winning author and historian Annette Gordon-Reed
The Hudson Library is celebrates Juneteenth with a free virtual lecture from award-winning author and historian Annette Gordon-Reed

Pulitzer-prize winning historian and author Annette Gordon-Reed will join the library Monday, June 13 for a live virtual discussion on the holiday and her book "On Juneteenth." The Hudson Library will lead a walking tour of the homes and sites that played a significant role in the anti-slavery movement of pre-Civil War Hudson

Perkins Stone Mansion Farm Friday Juneteenth Week

Starting at 10:30 a.m. June 17, students of all ages can visit Perkins Stone Mansion and learn more about African American Migration to Akron and Summit County as part of Juneteenth celebrations. Farm Fridays at the mansion are held weekly during the summer through Sept. 2.

Juneteenth Community Talkback

The Summit County Historical Society is hosting a morning panel discussion, soul food cooking demonstration and a special exhibition at the John Brown House June 18 starting at 10:30 a.m. The theme for the discussion is "Empowering a Community Through the Principles of Kwanzaa."

Hansparker Monument Unveiling

The Cuyahoga Falls Historical Society is celebrating the lives and legacy of John and Emily Hansparker, a couple formerly enslaved, who found their freedom in the city of Cuyahoga Falls. Following a luncheon at 11 a.m. at First Christian Church, 230 Stow Ave., a memorial will be unveiled at Oakwood Cemetery.

Joy Park Juneteenth Festival

Juneteenth will be celebrated in East Akron at Joy Park on June 18 starting at 12 p.m.

Mothers on a Mission MLK & Juneteenth Celebration

Mothers on a Mission is hosting its Juneteenth Celebration and 16th Annual Scholarship Luncheon June 18 starting at 1 p.m. The event will feature different businesses. The City of Akron annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration award will also be rewarded during the event after being postponed since January due to the pandemic. The ceremony will take place 1-3 p.m. June 18 at 526 S. Main St.

Ravenna Juneteenth Diversity Festival

The festival, which will take place 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 18 on Main Street in downtown Ravenna, will feature food, entertainment and other activities, such as a rib burn-off and soul food competition. The theme for this year is “Recognition, Restoration, and Celebration."

Downtown Akron Juneteenth Dinner and Conversation

Downtown Akron Partnership will host a dinner for 150 people in Lock 3 June 18 starting at 5 p.m. ,Facilitators around the table will start and moderate discussions on a variety of topics on ways to strengthen the community, ways to achieve equity and how to encourage shared experiences among people of all incomes and backgrounds. Tickets will be offered to families through outreach partners. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online.

Concert at Lock 3

After the Juneteenth Dinner and Community Conversation, DJ Forrest "Getemgump" Webb and the Unit Band will perform from 7 to 10 p.m. The concert is free and open to all.

Juneteenth Akron History Hike

The John Brown Monument is tucked away in a wooded area atop an incline in the Akron Zoo.
The John Brown Monument is tucked away in a wooded area atop an incline in the Akron Zoo.

Downtown Akron Partnership is hosting a History Hike to the John Brown Monument for Juneteenth and Father's Day guided by Director Emeritus Dave Lieberth. The hike will start at the Akron Zoo.

Akron Juneteenth Festival

Kwame Williams, left, with a djembe, a West African drum, leads the "Minute by Minute," a motivational call-and -esponse technique used in traditional African music, during the 2020 Juneteenth celebration at Stoner/Hawkins Park in Akron.
Kwame Williams, left, with a djembe, a West African drum, leads the "Minute by Minute," a motivational call-and -esponse technique used in traditional African music, during the 2020 Juneteenth celebration at Stoner/Hawkins Park in Akron.

24th Annual Akron Juneteenth Festival will start with a parade at 12 p.m. at Stoner/Hawkins Park on June 19. The festival will feature a market with Black-owned businesses, talent show, drum circles and other events and activities.

Stow Juneteenth Vigil

Stow's DEI initiative is hosting a candlelight vigil June 20 outside of City Hall starting at 8:30 p.m., in observation of Juneteenth and in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to racial violence.

Reporter Molly Walsh can be reached at mwalsh@gannett.com 

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: What is Juneteenth? Here's how to celebrate in and around Akron