BLAkron Ohio Celebrates Juneteenth 2020

June 19th, 1865…the day that changed the lives of African Americans forever. Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom for African Americans that fought for their freedom during the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation doctrine that set us free. On this day, Federal troops went to Galveston Texas to proclaim that all slaves were free. It was known that the State of Texas was the last state in the union to comply with the order of freeing slaves.

In the city of Akron, we kicked off the festivities with a Juneteenth celebration at stoner/Hawkins park! All were welcome as we enjoyed our culture-based activities including music, art, and fun for the children. It’s a blessing to embark on the fulfillment of our ancestral rituals to make sure that our history is remembered. Big S/O to The Akron Black Coalition, Keith Burnette, Gerald Carter, Ms. Fela Sutton, Ebony Da Goddess, and others who put this remarkable event together!!

 – Kat Israel