Juneteenth’s history and meaning explained by African American Civil War Museum director
Frank Smith, director of the African American Civil War Museum, explains the origin of Juneteenth and its journey to becoming a national holiday.
Josh Morgan, USA TODAY
We are now four years removed from Juneteenth being declared a federal holiday, and Greater Akron residents have numerous opportunities to celebrate with the local community.
While the 2025 Downtown Akron Juneteenth Celebration has come and gone, there are still organizations across Akron that will hold events, including the Akron Urban League.
Here’s a look at the history behind Juneteenth, and ways you can celebrate the holiday in Akron.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, observed June 19, commemorates the ending of the period of enslavement for African Americans in 1865. Also known as African American Emancipation Day, Juneteenth was made a federal holiday by President Joe Biden on June 19, 2021.
It is considered the longest-running African American holiday and was originally celebrated by freedmen in Texas beginning in 1866 when it became an annual celebration known as “Jubilee Day.” Despite President Abraham Lincoln signing the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, calling for the release of all enslaved people in the Confederate states, it wasn’t until two years later in Galveston, Texas, that the last enslaved individuals were freed.
Juneteenth Celebration and Parade
The Akron Bicentennial’s Juneteenth parade and celebration will be held on June 21 and will begin with the parade starting at Buchtel CLC at 11:30 a.m. Participants will travel to the John Brown House where a celebration will be held from noon to 3 p.m. featuring a live DJ, food and a variety of vendors.
Juneteenth Live Karaoke
Sweetbeats Sports and Soul Food Karaoke Bar is hosting a live karaoke night on June 19 from 8 to 11 p.m. at their location at 1954 Buchholzer Blvd.
Juneteenth: Stronger Together
The Akron Urban League will hold its event Stronger Together on June 21 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at 440 Vernon Odom Boulevard.
Jilly’s Music Room: Juneteenth Celebration
Jilly’s Music Room will hold its celebration on June 21 from 7 to 11 p.m. The event features live music, food and vendors.
Juneteenth Celebration: Genius of Freedom
The Western Reserve Historical Society will hold this event on June 19 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Hale Farm and Village (2686 Oak Hill Road in Bath).
This is not an exhaustive list of Juneteenth celebrations in Akron, but we would like it be. If your organization is holding an event, please reach out to reporter Anthony Thompson. His contact information is below.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter @athompsonABJ
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