Sweet Land of Liberty
“Juneteenth is a holiday,” Lydia Morgan says. “Just like the Fourth of July, it’s for everyone.”
Lydia Morgan
Morgan, the founder and coordinator of Juneteenth Cincinnati, organized the first celebration in 1988. From that small neighborhood festival in Kennedy Heights, the event grew to include music, storytelling, food, folk art, historic reenactments, and even baby goats.
Juneteenth Block Party at The Banks
Friday, June 18, 4 to 11 p.m.
Freedom Way, DORA District
Balancing celebration and education, Paloozanoire has create a block party with entertainment, food, arts, connectivity activations, fireworks and more for Juneteenth.
ArtsWave Artists Zone
Black Women’s Kroger and Black Girls Ventures Entrepreneurial Lounge
4–8 p.m. – Kroger Family Zone (face painting, balloon artists, Reds mascots),
5:30–6:30 p.m. – DJ Rah D
7:15–7:30 p.m.– Natural Progression, 6:30-8:15 p.m. with intermission from
8:15–9:30 p.m.– DJ Ari,
9:30–11 p.m.– DJ Prymtime,
10 p.m.–Fireworks Show by Rozzi Fireworks
Event partners: Procter & Gamble (Title Partner), Cincinnati Reds, Kroger, ArtsWave, Agar , Coca Cola, Fifth Third Bank, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, PNC Bank , Cintas, JP Morgan Chase, Urban Sites
Register for FREE tickets at paloozanoire.com.
During the Civil War, emancipation occurred at different times, with the Union army responsible for enforcing President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, outlawing slavery in the states in rebellion against the Union.
“The battles freed the slaves,” says Morgan.
Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery, recognizing the day when enslaved people were freed in Texas, more than two years after Lincoln’s executive order. The date of June 19th became a day of commemoration and celebration for “Jubilee Day,” first in Texas and then throughout the country.
This year, for the first time, Juneteenth is an official, paid holiday in Hamilton County, commemorated on Friday, June 18. The date, and celebration, have always been significant, but this year is different.
“More than just Black people are paying attention to it,” says Morgan. She credits last summer’s marches for George Floyd and the call for police reforms with creating a tipping point.
“People are more aware of Juneteenth and celebrating it,” she says.
While Juneteenth celebrates freedom, Morgan points out that in the years immediately following the Civil War, it was a struggle for former slaves to know exactly what they were free to do.
“We talk about the legacy and the story of freedom,” she says, “Which we are still figuring out.”
Though Reconstruction following the Civil War was short-lived, in that 10-year period African Americans made huge progress, making strides in politics and professional careers, Morgan says. But the anger and resentment of white men who help power led to criminalizing being Black, including Jim Crow laws and racial violence.
“We still see those consequences to this day,” Morgan says.
After all of the many struggles and tribulations people faced this past year, Morgan thinks people feel the need to celebrate more than ever.
“We’re happy to be free,” she says, “And have the opportunity to come back together for the celebration this year.”
Events & Celebration
June 1 was the official start of the 34th Annual Juneteenth Festival, with a flag raising near the Cincinnati Art Museum’s Art Climb.
The “Wade in the Water” program on June 13 on the banks of the Ohio River pays homage to the role that water has played in the journey into, out of, and beyond enslavement.
If You Go
Wade in the Water
Sunday, June 13, 3 p.m.
Near Smale Park and The Freedom Center
Join Juneteenth Cincinnati in recognizing the significant role of water in the 400-year history of African enslavement and the quest for freedom.
All are invited to participate in this simple, symbolic dance. Participants are asked to wear white with an accent of color (sash, a scarf, jewelry, etc.).
Find out more at juneteenthcincinnati.org/wade.
This week, two additional flag raisings will be held – Thursday, June 17 at 11 a.m. at the Todd B. Portune Center for County Government, 138 E. Court St. and Friday, June 18 at 10 a.m. at City Hall, 801 Plum Street.
A block party at The Banks on Friday, June 18 features music, food, art, and fireworks. Created by Paloozanoire, an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of Midwestern Black professionals, the event also includes a Black Woman's entrepreneurial networking zone.
On Sunday, June 20, Juneteenth Cincinnati will hold a virtual concert, broadcast on Fox19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with performances from Ms. Jaz, Rhythm of Soul Band, Meme & Juneteenth Steppers and others. At noon, the Father’s Day concert features the Charles Fold Singer, Sheilia Moore-Piper and more singers.
“I want people to come away feeling that truth is a celebration in America,” Morgan says. “I want people to understand that Juneteenth is a holiday everyone can celebrate. The more we confront the negative aspects of our history, the better our country will be.”
For more information about Juneteenth Cincinnati, visit www.juneteenthcincinnati.org.
–Tricia Suit