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Events and programs are planned in Augusta this week to celebrate Juneteenth, a national holiday to celebrate the day in 1865 when, in Galveston, Texas, the last Black slaves of the Confederacy were ordered free following the arrival of Union troops.

The day, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, rose to national prominence in 2020 amid nationwide protests against ongoing racial inequities, sparked in part by the police killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, according to USA Today reports.

It was officially recognized a federal holiday by President Joe Biden in 2021.

Here are some of the local events planned:

9th Annual Juneteenth Festival

Augusta’s annual Juneteenth Festival will be noon to 9:30 p.m. Thursday at the Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds at 308 Hale St. in Augusta.

The day-long, free event includes soulful-conscious speakers, health and wellness checks, musical and spoken word acts, exhibits, entertainment for kids, vendors, and more.

Entertainment includes Kydd Joe, Sa Jules, Bun B, Rocko the Don, Young Dro, Shaun Milli, AE The Cool, April Sampe, King Kong, and more.

The event is free. Fairgrounds parking is $10. For more information, visit www.bandofbrothersaugusta.org/juneteenth-augusta.

More: From ‘Friday’ to ‘Get Out,’ watch these 10 popular movies with Black stars this Juneteenth

Augusta Museum of History

The Augusta Museum of History will celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday with special performances, crafts and events for the family. The museum opens at 10 a.m. and events are free. Activities include:

  • The Jessye Norman School of the Arts will perform Hypatia of Harlem, a one-act play created by Sea Staachura who is known for the podcast “Shots in the Back: Exhuming the 1970 Augusta Riot.”
  • A reading for young children from “Juneteenth For Mazie”.
  • A performance from the Civil Right Activist from Paine College at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and at 12:30 p.m. The Steering Committee of Paine College set up peaceful protests in the 1960s to stand up against segregation. Tera Jackson will perform on the first floor and a film about The Steering Committee will be shown on the second floor in the History Theater.
  • There also will be a Scavenger Hunt. Discover the enslaved potter Dave Drake from Edgefield who wrote on his pottery, and learn all about Lucy Craft Laney and how she was driven to educate the African American youth of Augusta during Reconstruction. This scavenger hunt takes participants all over the Museum and introduces them to many places, organizations and people who made Augusta a free place for all.

For more information about these and other activities at the museum, contact the museum at 706-722-8454 or visit the museum’s website at www.augustamuseum.org.

Juneteenth Scholarship

The Band of Brothers Augusta Inc. is sponsoring a raffle to provide college scholarships.  The Juneteenth Augusta Scholarship was designed to support students who support the Juneteenth Holiday, live in the CSRA, and have decided to pursue higher education. For more information, visit www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/5050-raffle-15.

Other events on Friday

  • The South Eastern Youth Organization’s Juneteenth Vendor Showcase and Hair Competition, 1 p.m. Friday on top of the Truist parking deck next to the Augusta Common.
  • Lululemon and Endurance Fitness’ Juneteenth Celebration at 6:30 p.m. Friday in North Augusta at 125 Merovan Dr. It will kick off with a trainer-led and beginner-friendly workout. There will also be food trucks, drinks, prizes, and other fun. Childcare will be provided. Participation is free, but you should RSVP in advance at endurancefitness.myfithive.com.
  • The Pedal Pub Juneteenth Karaoke Edition will be at 8 p.m. Friday at 305 12th St. The event will feature karaoke, food, drink towers, a live DJ, and other entertainment. It is hosted by Tommy Lee Walker Jr. and features music by DJ HAZE. 

Did we miss something? Please contact staff reporter Jennifer Miller with information about Juneteenth events in the Augusta area. She can be reached at jmiller@gannett.com.