This event includes free admission

Now a federal holiday, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Originating in Texas, it’s been observed on the 19th of June annually since 1865. Join us for an 1890’s Juneteenth observation in Ohio Village. Featured activities will include historical interpretations, storytelling and dance.

Also join us on June 15 for Juneteenth on the Ave, an event in partnership with Artfluential, Canvaas and Maroon Arts Group! Learn more here.

Schedule of Events

Panels will open and close Jubilee Festival in the Ohio History Center

Ohio History Center:

10:15–11:45 a.m. - Cultural Conversations: Evolution of Black Imagery

• Film screening and panel
  • a viewing and conversation with Ohio Black filmmakers about what it means to reclaim the narrative of Black communities and imagine/create what a future will be. 

1 p.m. & 3 p.m. - "Let's Throw Stories" with Lynette Ford. Story time for all ages! Located in Creative Ohio in the Ohio History Center. 

2 p.m. & 4 p.m. - Opening the Road: Victor Hugo Green and His Green Book with Keila Dawson. Located in Creative Ohio in the Ohio History Center. 

Ohio Village:

12:15–12:25 p.m. - Jubilee Parade led by Miss Juneteenth

12:30–12:55 p.m. - Town Hall Welcome & Performance with Reverend James Poindexter and Urban Strings Columbus Youth Orchestra

1:00–1:25 p.m. - Moments with Ida B. Wells and Gerald Mae

1:30–1:55 p.m. - Jumpin’ Jubilee in honor of Juba

• Dance demonstration and instruction 

2:00–2:25 p.m. - Art in the Park

• Storytime with Edmonia Lewis 
• Storytelling with Ruth Ann

2:30–2:50 - Language of the Bell Presentation

3 p.m. - Church Service with Reverend Poindexter, Joshua McCarter Simpson and the Oak City Youth Choir

Ohio History Center:

3:45–4:55 - Afrofuturism

• Cynthia Amoah - Poem

• It Shall Be Jubilee: Art & The Soul of Black folk 

  • This panel examines Afrofuturism and Afro-Nostalgia as sites of promise. We’ll discuss Black art as an inextricable aspect of the Black soul and Black soul as the exuberance of Our collective experience. In the words of Dubois, the Black artist is a cultural worker and “this, then, is the end of his striving: to be a co-worker in the kingdom of culture” and that creativity allows us to “escape both death and isolation” to create a shared future and authentic Black spaces where our memory can be free.