June 19th is Juneteenth, a significant day for African-Americans in the United States as it commemorates the official end of slavery in the country back in 1865. This annual celebration is marked as a national holiday and a day of independence for the African-American community, as recognized by the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
In Athens, the Juneteenth Festival is a much-anticipated event that is organized by the Athens-Clarke County in collaboration with the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement. The festival will take place on Saturday, starting at College Square near the UGA Arch with a march to City Hall on College Avenue scheduled for 10:30 a.m. A special highlight of the event will be the raising of the Juneteenth flag at City Hall at 11 a.m., symbolizing the historical significance of the day.
Attendees can look forward to a day filled with various activities, including enjoying delicious food from local vendors, browsing through nonprofit stalls, listening to guest speakers, live music performances, and engaging in other entertainment options. The best part is that admission to the festival is absolutely free, making it an inclusive and accessible event for all members of the community.
The lineup of performers at the Juneteenth Festival is impressive, featuring talented acts such as the Splitz Band, Narlie Wilson, The Prodigy Elite Dolls, League of Step, and Girl Power, among others. Additionally, esteemed speakers like Rev. Daryl Bloodshaw, Hattie Whitehead, Linda Davis, and Mikhayla Robinson-Smith, the Athens Poet Laureate, will share their insights and experiences with the audience throughout the day.
As the evening approaches, the festivities continue with the Miss Juneteenth Pageant presented by SLay Pageants at the iconic Morton Theatre on West Washington Street at 5 p.m. While admission to the pageant is priced at $25, early birds can purchase their tickets in advance for a discounted rate of $20 on eventbrite.com, ensuring they don’t miss out on this glamorous event.
For those looking to take a breather from the celebrations, they can unwind by challenging themselves with the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle, adding a fun and engaging element to their Juneteenth experience in Athens.
In addition to the Juneteenth Festival, there are various other exciting events happening in Athens this weekend, including the Athens Hip Hop Awards, providing ample opportunities for residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural scene of the city. Whether you’re interested in music, art, history, or simply connecting with the community, the Juneteenth Celebration in Athens offers something for everyone to enjoy and commemorate this important day in American history.