President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which went into effect at midnight on January 1, 1863. The Proclamation declared “that all persons held as slaves within the rebellious states are, and henceforward shall be free.” On the eve of January 1, 1863, free African Americans and enslaved people gathered secretly in churches and private homes all across the country, awaiting the news declaring their freedom. Frederick Douglas proclaimed, “It is a day for poetry and song, a new song. These cloudless skies, this balmy air, this brilliant sunshine… are in harmony with the glorious morning of liberty about to dawn up on us.” This night is known as Watch night or Freedom’s Eve.
Although the Emancipation Proclamation was enormous and symbolic, in reality, it did not free all slaves. Only slaves in confederate states in areas liberated by union troops. In border states, slavery remained legal until the ratification of the 13th amendment in 1865, which ended slavery and the argument about whether slavery was legal in the United States. Lincoln and other officials understood that amending the constitution was the only way to officially end slavery.
On June 19, 1865, General Granger and 2000 union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that the enslaved African American people in the state were free by executive decree. This day became known as Juneteenth by the freed people. The following year, on June 19, the first official celebration took place in Texas. Celebrations included barbecues, music, dancing prayer services, among other activities and events. Juneteenth is known as the country’s second Independence Day. It has a long history of celebration in the African American community. This holiday is also known as Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Black Independence Day, and Emancipation Day.
As African American people from Texas migrated to different parts of the country, the celebration spread. In 1979 Texas was the first state to make Juneteenth an official holiday. Other states followed over the years. After the murder of George Floyd and much racial unrest across the country, Congress passed a resolution in June 2021, establishing Juneteenth as a US federal holiday. President Biden signed it into law on June 17, 2021.
Today Juneteenth is celebrated across the country by diverse individuals from all races. It commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. Events and activities include speakers, food, music, dancing, education, and celebrations of the culture and achievement of African Americans. Communities gather, and Juneteenth celebrations are symbolic of continued hope and freedom for African Americans in the United States. As a country, everyone must continue to fight for equity and equality for everyone.
How can you celebrate Juneteenth?
The Downtown Akron Partnership is hosting a downtown Juneteenth celebration in Lock 3 park on June 18, from 5 to 10 pm. This event was planned in conversation with the Akron Black Artist Guild, Akron Juneteenth, the Summit County Historical Society, the City of Akron, the North Akron Community Development Corporation, and others.
From 5 to 6:30 pm, there will be a ticketed barbecue dinner at a single long table, catered by Ernie’s Catering. Those in attendance will break bread together and engage in an intimate, guided conversation on ways to strengthen community and achieve equity. There will also be a signature cocktail provided by Perfect Pour and dessert provided by Sweet and Savvy Cake Shop. After dinner, from 7 to 10 pm, The Unit Band will kick off an evening of dancing and celebration. The music and dancing will be free and open to the public. Tickets for dinner cost $10 and will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
This downtown event is not the only Juneteenth celebration in Akron, though.
It’s hard to say if we would be holding this celebration if it weren’t for Elder Gerald R. Carter, who founded the Akron Juneteenth Festival in 1998 in West Akron. Although Carter passed away in 2020, his legacy lives on. This year, the Akron Black Coalition will host the Akron Juneteenth Festival at Stoner/Hawkins Park for the 24th year in a row, focusing on health and longevity in the African American community.
Other Juneteenth events will take place in East Akron and North Hill. Additionally, the Summit County Historical Society is hosting Juneteenth programming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
With all these events spanning the city, it will be easy to celebrate freedom all weekend long.
There are other ways to celebrate Juneteenth as well. Below are a few suggestions
- Celebrate Juneteenth! Attend a Juneteenth community event during the weekend of Juneteenth. Events occur in Akron and across the country and the State of Ohio.
- Support and invest in black-owned businesses. Shop, dine, and/or enjoy entertainment from a black-owned business. Many amazing black-owned restaurants, shops, and entertainment spots would love your patronage!
- Advocate for cultural competence in K-12 schools. It is important that schools are teaching a curriculum that shares all subjects, including American history from all perspectives. Many people are just learning about Juneteenth, although we were taught about slavery, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the 14 Amendment.
- Educate yourself, your family, and your friends. Start a book club or group and read. So many books can help us understand one another and African American culture. Read books by African American authors. A list of books is here. Shop at Elizabeth’s Bookshop in Akron, Ohio, a black-owned bookstore.
- Volunteer at a Black nonprofit organization such as the Akron Urban League. The Akron Urban League is hosting a Vax and Voting Juneteenth event on Friday, June 17, from 1:30 - 4:30 pm. Come out and celebrate with the Akron Urban League and encourage some folks to register to vote and get vaccinated.
For more information on the Akron Urban League, go to https://www.akronurbanleague.org/ and for information on the Akron Downtown Partnership, go to https://www.downtownakron.com/.