As the school year winds down and summer plans gear up, it might seem like it’s time to take a break from learning; however, there’s a significant date in June that calls us to reflect and engage. June 19th, known as Juneteenth, isn’t just another day off in the summer. This date commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, a hugely important moment in American history. As we dive into summer, Juneteenth provides an opportunity to deepen our understanding of this moment and its impact on our country.

For Mike McFeeture, understanding Juneteenth began in a fragmented way. “I found out about Juneteenth through my friends at work,” he explains. “They were planning a big cookout for the holiday, and each of them shared bits and pieces about what Juneteenth means and why it’s important.” Reflecting on these conversations, Mike adds, “Putting all these puzzle pieces together, I realized Juneteenth isn’t only a remembrance of the past injustice of slavery. I kinda also see it as a celebration of the progress made and a way to continue the fight for equality.”

The origins of Juneteenth trace back to June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas. They brought with them the news that the Civil War had ended and that enslaved people were now free. This announcement came surprisingly two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had technically freed the slaves in 1863. Since that important day in 1865, Juneteenth has evolved into a nationwide celebration marked by community gatherings, festivities, and parades.

Ms. Wyss, an English teacher, shares about the broader significance of the day, “Juneteenth marks the official end of slavery in the United States. It’s celebrated with a variety of activities that honor African American history and contributions. In recent years, it’s gained even more recognition, becoming a federal holiday in June 2021.”

For many students, like Sierra Meijers, Juneteenth is a personal celebration tied closely to family traditions. “We usually have a great family cookout at my Grandma’s house,” Sierra shares. “It’s about connecting with my roots and honoring the freedom of my ancestors. It’s a big part of my family history!”

As awareness of Juneteenth grows, so does interest in participating in it, even among those for whom the day was not a part of their cultural background. William Brahler expressed some curiosity, “I didn’t know much about Juneteenth except its significance for African Americans. But now, I want to learn more and understand how I can be part of the celebrations.”

Juneteenth also serves as an important educational moment, especially following significant moments in recent history that have spotlighted racial inequalities. “I became aware of Juneteenth following the death of George Floyd,” Ms. Wyss shared. “On Juneteenth, I take time to read articles and watch videos to continue to educate myself about its significance and current events related to the holiday. I would be interested in celebrating the holiday with a community of people,” she continued.

While not everyone has celebrated Juneteenth historically, students like Shaunee Miller are just beginning to discover its relevance. “I’ve only really started hearing about it recently,” Shaunee admits. “I’d love to learn more about how it’s celebrated.”

Jasira Stidham, another student, found out about the holiday in her youth, but it took on a new meaning later. “I didn’t truly understand Juneteenth until I did my own research in 2020. Now, we celebrate it by watching classic Black cinema and attending local festivals,” she concluded.

Looking for ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Northeast Ohio this year? Here are two great options in Cleveland and Akron to participate in the festivities near you.

In Cleveland, the MetroHealth Juneteenth Freedom Fest returns on Saturday, June 14, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Mall C in Downtown Cleveland. This free, family-friendly event features live music, a bustling vendor village of Black-owned businesses, delicious eats on Soul Food Row, and activities like roller skating, mini golf, crafts, and live art. It’s going to be a great celebration you won’t want to miss. Visit juneteenthcle.com. for more information!

In Akron, the Downtown Juneteenth Celebration takes place on Saturday, June 1, at Cascade Plaza. You can enjoy live performances, line dancing with the JustUs Line Dance Crew, and a vendor fair showcasing local businesses. DJ 8-Bit and emcee Floco Torres will keep the energy high, while food trucks like Southern Comfort Kitchen and The Twisted Jerk serve up crowd favorites. Visit downtownakron.com for more information!

Now revised, this article was originally published on May 24, 2024.