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Canton Repository

Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, is celebrated annually on June 19.

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 was made a federal holiday by President Joe Biden on June 19, 2021. Federal services may close for the holiday, along with some businesses.

Here’s a look at Juneteenth celebrations in the Canton region:

Juneteenth Community Festival 

The Juneteenth Community Festival will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 14 and noon to 6 p.m. June 15 at Nimisilla Park, 1075 O’Jays Blvd. NE in Canton. Live music, vendors, special awards and dedications, and a children’s play area will be featured. 

Juneteenth at the McKinley Presidential Library and Museum 

Juneteenth will be celebrated June 18 at the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW. 

At 3 p.m., Tameka Ellington, curator of black history, will host a story time for children and families, along with cupcakes and crafts. The event is free with museum admission. 

At 6 p.m., Ellington will discuss Underground Railroad sites in Stark County. The event includes dinner with barbecue fare and sides prepared by Ed and Bert’s Smoke House; a cost of $25 includes both dinner and admittance. A portion of the proceeds will support the development of the Stark County Black History Museum, located within the McKinley museum. 

Juneteenth Talent Show 

A Juneteenth Talent Show – Community Celebration will be 7 to 10 p.m. June 19 at The Elks Cantell Lodge 1417, 735 Ash St., Alliance. Tickets are available at https://tinyurl.com/yejt832b. 

Juneteenth Celebration: Genius of Freedom

The Western Reserve Historical Society will hold Genius of Freedom on June 19 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Hale Farm and Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road in Bath Township.

Juneteenth Community Celebration

The Pink Ace Association, in collaboration with Alliance Parks and Recreation, is hosting the annual Juneteenth Community Celebration from June 20 through 22. The three-day event features the dedication of the new splash pad, and a football tournament at Maple Beach Park, 1600 Reed St., on June 20. A community picnic followed by a fireworks display at Thompson-Snodgrass Park, 748 E. Cambridge St., will be held June 21. And music and community awards will be at Thompson-Snodgrass Park on June 22.

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 Jubilee Dinner 

A Juneteenth Jubilee Dinner will be from 6 to 8 p.m. June 22 at The Elks Cantell Lodge 1417, 735 Ash St., Alliance. Tickets are available at https://tinyurl.com/2s3uek4h.