Juneteenth Celebrations: Akron Edition

Recently made a federal holiday, Juneteenth, sometimes referred to as Freedom Day, is the celebration of the ending of slavery, in the United States. This year in commemoration, there were various events held throughout Akron. Festivals, plays, concerts, museum exhibits, as well as activities at Lock 3, Stoner/Hawkins Park, and Stone Perkins Mansion were held in honor of Juneteenth. No matter what activities you desire, this year there were events for everyone to enjoy.

Akron Symphony began its first concert series, titled Outside Voices, on June 19th at Lock 3. The free concert series features music from diverse, under-represented composers such as Black composers J. Rosamond, Florence Price, William Grant Still, Jessie Montgomery, and more. Concerts are held at various locations every Sunday at 7:30 p.m. To learn more about upcoming shows, visit Akron Symphony’s website here.

Stoner/Hawkins Park held their 18th annual Juneteenth Festival, where families could enjoy free food and numerous activities. Elder Gerald Carter, who founded the first Juneteenth celebration here in Akron, and who was a big part of the Akron Black Coalition, was also honored. The festival celebrated Black liberation and heritage through recognition of Black businesses and a teen talent show.

Stone Perkins Mansion, sometimes referred to as the John Brown House, re-opened the day before Juneteenth for a holiday celebration. The mansion featured a historic program and reenactment of famous abolitionist Harriet Tubman. The program highlighted a tour of the infamous mansion.

Juneteenth is a day to celebrate making a wrongful execution, right. It’s continuing to take steps towards equality. As a nation, we must learn to work together for true justice and freedom. Though we have a long way to go, celebrating Juneteenth will help citizens gain knowledge and implement ways to solve issues of injustice. To learn more about Juneteenth, please visit the national website here.