A Celebration Of Freedom

     Imagine being enslaved, beaten, mistreated and separated from your loved ones, all based on the color of your skin.
     Now, imagine everyone who falls under that enslavement getting well-deserved freedom, but you not finding out about it until two years later!
     Besides shock and a hint of anger at the tardiness, you would probably feel overjoyed at the thought that your pain and suffering has finally come to an end. That is the story of Juneteenth…. 

The sign that welcomed guests to the 25th annual Juneteenth Cincinnati

HISTORY
     Most people do not know what Juneteenth is about, or why it is celebrated in Cincinnati. It is a celebration of the end of slavery. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation that ended slavery, but it was not until more than two years later on June 19, 1865 that the news came to Galveston, Texas—officially marking the end of slavery. The newly freed slaves felt June 19th was more of a significant representation of freedom instead of July 4th—the date in which the United States recognizes Independence Day from England. Ever since 1865, Juneteenth has become an annual celebration among African Americans that has spread well beyond the south, and throughout the United States. (Click here for more Juneteenth history)

LOCAL IMPACT/HISTORY
     Some people may inquire: 
           Why Cincinnati? Wasn’t Ohio a free state? 

Map showing the proximity of Cincinnati to Kentucky
(From http://www.elcivics.com/state-lessons/
images/map-ohio-usa.jpg)

     To answer those questions, one must realize where the city is located. Cincinnati sits along the Ohio River, which separates Ohio from Kentucky—a state that did have slaves. Those slaves would risk their lives trying to swim over the river into freedom in Ohio, but would quickly be captured even though they were on free ground. Therefore, Cincinnati has a strong connection with slavery (hence the location of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center). Cincinnati’s Juneteenth tradition officially began in 1988 as a neighborhood festival attracting around 1,500 people. In recent years, the celebration has grown dramatically to around 20,000 people of all races and backgrounds in attendance. The family-focused event includes storytelling, an Abraham Lincoln impersonator, exhibits, games, African dancing, and much more. It’s a nonprofit event staffed fully by volunteers.

Front cover of Juneteenth pamphlet

     “Celebrating gives people a sense of togetherness. You don't have to be African-American to join in celebrating the anniversary of the end of slavery, just like you don’t have to be Italian to enjoy an Italian opera,” said Juneteenth organizer Lydia Morgan. “You just join in, become a part of it and enjoy,” she added.

The fountain at Mirror Lake,
located at Eden Park

      During a Saturday and Sunday in the summer sun, attendees were able to enjoy food, entertainment, praise and worship, informational booths, history lessons, and kid-focused play areas in the city’s picturesque Eden Park.
     “Slavery affected people of all skin colors, whether you were enslaved of fighting to end it or just living in a country with it,” said Morgan. “The end of slavery was one of the most important events in American history. No one’s effort in this fight should go unnoticed."


2012 JUNETEENTH EXPERIENCE

Kids playing basketball at the
2012 Juneteenth Cincinnati festival

     The 2012 Juneteenth Cincinnati festival took place on June 16 and June 17. It was the 25th anniversary of the local event. As soon as you stepped on the grass of Eden Park, you could not help notice the laughing, playful kids shooting basketballs or petting animals. There was, of course, the beautiful Mirror Lake setting the background with its sky-high fountain (see above picture). Booths could be seen lined up against the curvy lake with representatives encouraging attendees to register to vote and get more informed about their health, learn about new organizations or get a brief history lesson. If someone was in the shopping mood, plenty of vendors were on display as well.

Several booths 

Princeton High School Gospel Choir
performing at Seasongood Stage

        Meanwhile, plenty of music could be heard. First, near the vendors was the Mirror Lake stage where local acts and bands showcased their talents. 
     Then over at the much bigger, Seasongood Stage were several jazz, R&B, soul and African drum acts. However, the big day of performances took place at the Seasongood Stage on Sunday for the Father’s Day concert. Local churches, schools and residents gave inspirational performances by way of singing, dancing and speeches.  
     It was a unifying experience that brought everyone together—no matter the age or race or gender—to praise God and enjoy the beautiful day we all had been blessed with. Even actress Tatyana Ali, who played Ashley Banks on the hit TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, made an appearance on behalf of the Obama campaign to encourage everyone to vote.

Pamphlets for the 
Unity Movement

      Mike Moore was at one of the booths discussing the creation of his new network called the Unity Movement. He wants African Americans to come together to help build wealth and businesses within our community. While there is no longer a formal slavery in the United States, Moore made the point that many people within the black community remain in a mental slavery of sorts—not realizing their full potential.

Part of Dr. Caldwell's display on
black doctors during the Civil War

      Dr. Esly Caldwell had a display featuring the black doctors of the Civil War. Dr. Caldwell had a personal connection to slavery. His grandmother was a slave, who told him stories of getting tied up to a tree and beat by her slave master. By the way, her master was also her father.    
     As Morgan explained, staying silent about slavery does not make it go away in history.  “When we can come together and really celebrate the end of slavery as a city, as a nation, and as Americans, then we will all truly be free,” Morgan added.


HOW TO MEASURE SUCCESS 
     Morgan defined success of the event with how people look at slavery. She said, “If we can get the majority of all the people to come together and say, ‘It’s a good thing [slavery] doesn’t happen anymore. I’m happy that doesn’t happen anymore. I’m going to celebrate the fact that doesn’t happen anymore,’ I think that’s a very good thing.”

Seasongood Stage

      Organizers of Juneteenth hope awareness grows through word of mouth that will eventually lead to a bigger turnout, more volunteers and hopefully an official sponsor. But no matter what, Morgan will keep God first and remain thankful. “We are a blessed event. I think the Lord means for it to happen, and that’s why its happened for 25 years,” said Morgan.
     To learn more about Juneteenth Cincinnati, go to the event’s website at www.juneteenthcincinnati.org.
        Click here to see Lydia Morgan discuss Juneteenth at a local television news station.
     If interested in learning more about other Juneteenth celebrations across the country, go to http://www.juneteenth.com/.