Dancing in the Streets
Juneteenth may only have been a federal holiday since 2021, but the celebration of freedom has been honored in Black communities around the country since 1866, one year after the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, Texas.
Joy and community were hallmarks of the earliest Juneteenth celebrations, bringing people together around music, food and community. That tradition continues, with programs and on Juneteenth and into the weekend.
At this year’s Juneteenth Jubilee at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on Thursday, June 19, guests will enjoy free museum admission, with drop-in programming and mini tours for guests of all ages. A street party along Freedom Way includes music with DJ Vader Mixx, 2nd Wind Band, and Mike Wade and the Nasty Nati Brass Band, and the food trucks El Cardenal Taqueria, Eliza Jane’s BakeShop, Just Jerks, streetpops cincinnati, and Sweets & Meats BBQ.
Visitors can also browse a Community Market where they can shop small and support local businesses including Bella Fiamma, Faye's Keepsake Journals, Her Curls and Craft, Pour Candle Company, Succulent Eyez Eyewear, and Zuri Ali Art.
The current exhibition, Faith & (in)Justice, traces America’s two-and-a-half-century struggle for equity and the role of the country’s three largest religions – Christianity, Islam and Judaism – in that struggle. The exhibition highlights the role of religion in the nation’s social justice movements. Through five sections, the exhibition challenges guests to rethink entrenched stereotypes of religion and to critically consider where faith and equity coincide and collide, using artifacts, photographs, moving images and music to immerse guests in foundational moments in the nation’s social justice struggle.
If a quick run and cold beer is more your speed, join the Juneteenth Run at Esoteric Brewing Company, 918 E McMillan St., in Walnut Hills. Runners are invited to meet at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. The event is free but registration is encouraged!
The run unites six Black-led run clubs in Cincinnati, with routes of 1, 2 or 4 miles through East Walnut Hills; Pig Works and the Flying Pig Marathon will have a fluid station at Eden Park. Runners are invited to bring their own shirts to apply local run club logos at the after party at Esoteric Brewing!
The celebration continues on Saturday, June 21 with the annual Paloozanoire Juneteenth Block Party, from 4 to 11 p.m.
This year’s celebration will feature a stacked lineup of top DJs, a reimagined Family Zone experience, and the highly anticipated return of the Homecoming Experience—a tribute to fraternities, sororities, and alumni organizations, with special recognition of the Divine 9. The event servse as a vibrant, inclusive tribute to culture, legacy, and community.
The Family Zone will feature appearances from Cincinnati Reds mascots, live performers, and interactive activities, making it fun for all ages. Attendees can support minority-owned food trucks or enjoy a number of bars and restaurants along The Banks.