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, June 16 and 17 on Mall C in Downtown Cleveland. This will be a citywide, family-friendly celebration and commemoration of Juneteenth, featuring live music, a vendor village and soul food row to spotlight Black businesses and entrepreneurs, community programming and education, spoken-word performances, and interactive art demonstrations. Fireworks start at sundown on Friday, June 16. Hours Saturday, June 17, are 10am – 6pm.
• 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.