Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to enforce President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation declaring all slaves to be freed. This day marked the freedom of 250,000 enslaved people.

Read about the history of Juneteenth

Juneteenth is now marked as a day to recognize the end of slavery and to celebrate the culture and achievements of African Americans.

Here in Cuyahoga County, there are many ways to celebrate Juneteenth. Check out some of our ideas below:

• Attend the Juneteenth Festival on June 18 at Mall C in Downtown Cleveland from noon-10:00 p.m. This will be a citywide, family-friendly celebration and commemoration of Juneteenth, featuring a performance by Karamu House, the country’s oldest Black producing theatre, a vendor village to spotlight Black businesses and entrepreneurs, community program and education, food trucks, and a fireworks finale.
• Read about Black history, Black poets, Black leaders, and Black achievements. Check out Cleveland Public Library’s Juneteenth Recommended Reading List.
• Donate to a national or local organization that works to fight racism.
• Host a watch party for a historical documentary or movie like 13^th (Netflix) or Just Mercy (Amazon).
• Support Black-owned businesses. Here’s a great list compiled by Cleveland Magazine of where you can support Black-owned businesses in Cleveland.
• Spur conversations with your family and friends about the history and importance behind Juneteenth.

This Juneteenth, take the time to celebrate in our community.