Juneteenth commemorates the date of June 19, 1865, when Union Army troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, the last stop on their journey through Texas, where they delivered the news firsthand to enslaved people that they were free. They were delivering this news two months after the enslaved should have been freed following the surrender of the Confederate Army on April 9, 1865, the event that ended the Civil War. Rather than respond in a retaliatory manner, the formerly enslaved of Texas organized public celebrations centered on food and music.
Juneteenth became a U.S. federal holiday in 2021.
Troy’s Juneteenth Opening Celebration
Troy Hayner Cultural Center 301 W. Main St., TroyThe Paisha Thomas Quintet will help launch Troy’s Juneteenth opening celebrations on June 16, 2023 at 6:30 pm. Joining Paisha will be Dwight Bailey, bass; Brett Burleson, guitar; Nate Parker on drums and David Swank on keys. Paisha’s songs tell of her experiences as a black woman in Ohio and celebrate the long history of her family here in the Miami Valley region. She is a descendant of the Randolph Freed People who came to our area as free citizens in 1846 and settled in Troy, Piqua and the surrounding areas. She will be sharing her songs and her stories of local relevance and power.
Juneteenth Celebration 2023
Liberation Park corner of N. Boardway St. and Superior Ave., DaytonThe Dayton, Ohio Juneteenth Celebration is a festive and educational event that will take place on June 17th from 9 am to dusk at Liberation Park.
Formerly known as Broadway Park, Liberation Park is located on the corner of N. Boardway St. and Superior Ave. The park will be transformed into a lively and welcoming atmosphere where people of all ages can come together to celebrate the historical significance of Juneteenth. One of the main highlights of the Dayton Juneteenth Celebration is the live music.
Attendees will be able to enjoy performances from local musicians and artists throughout the day. In addition to the music, there will be vending booths set up where vendors will be selling a variety of goods, such as clothing, jewelry, and other merchandise.
Food is also an important part of the Juneteenth Celebration. The event will feature a diverse range of food options, including traditional African-American cuisine and other delicious dishes. In addition to the entertainment and food, the Dayton Juneteenth Celebration will also offer educational opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to learn about the history of Juneteenth, which marks the day when enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom. The event will provide a space for community members to come together and honor the significance of this historical moment.
The celebration will kick off with a parade starting from 3rd and Boardway. The parade will showcase a variety of community groups, organizations, and individuals who will come together to commemorate the day.
2023 Yellow Springs Juneteenth Celebration
Mills Lawn School 200 S. Walnut St., Yellow SpringsActivities will begin at 10:30 a.m., with a gathering outside Yellow Springs High School, for a walk that will begin at 11 a.m. and proceed through the village past several sites of significance in the Black history of Yellow Springs.
The walk will conclude on the grounds of Mills Lawn Elementary School, where the 2023 Juneteenth program will take place from noon–1:30 p.m. The program will include reflections on the meaning of Juneteenth, music by the World House Choir and by Tronee Threat, storytelling and re-enactments of accounts of enslavement and freedom. Games and other activities for children will be offered throughout the afternoon. Those attending the program are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and lunches. Food trucks also will be available. Following the program, Radio Basim will provide music until 3 p.m.
3rd Annual Springboro Juneteenth Party
North Park Amphitheatre 195 Tamarack Trail, Springboro
Juneteenth Walk
Hobart (ITW) Food Equipment Group 701 S. Ridge Ave., TroyA Juneteenth Walk will begin at 3 p.m. at Hobart (ITW) Food Equipment Group.
The walk will be led by the T.R.S.S. Drum Corps and will proceed to McKaig and Race Park where the Juneteenth festivities will be underway.
Activities will include a cookout, games and music. All Juneteenth activities are free. The Juneteenth events are the work of the Juneteenth Committee, I.D.E.A Troy and the Troy Human Relations Council. Free
Juneteenth Commemoration, Celebration & Concert
Levitt Pavilion 134 S Main St,, Dayton
Juneteenth Music Festival
Eichelberger Amphitheater 8625 Brandt Pike, Huber HeightsThe second annual Juneteenth Music Festival will be held from 5-10 p.m. at the Eichelberger Amphitheater, Huber Heights. Parking and admission into the festival is free.
Musical acts include some of Dayton’s more well-known artists: Chay Buddah & Hot2Def, Ric Sexton & Friends, and headlining the festival, the Dayton Funk All-Stars. Several Black-owned food trucks will serve a variety of soul food cuisine, and Black-owned business vendors will also be on hand. The festival will include a beer and wine garden sponsored by the Huber Heights Optimist Club and Huber Heights Performing Arts. The beer and wine garden and several of the food and merchandise vendors will have a cash-only option for payment. Community members are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Free
Juneteenth with Chef Dane
Toxic Brew Company 431 E 5th St, Dayton, OHIt’s the fifth year Toxic Brew has been proud to host a Juneteenth celebration in our taproom to benefit a worthwhile cause. This year, yet again, our friends and colleagues with Chef Dane and his crew (opening their own official brick & mortar spot, Culture, right on E. Fifth St this month btw!) are showing up to offer a special menu for the occasion while we gather for food, music, drinks and community.
Juneteenth – Celebrating Freedom
Fraze Pavilion 695 Lincoln Park Blvd, Kettering
