Juneteenth celebrations are happening across Cleveland this week. Events range from history lessons to a panel discussion about the legacy of Black music and from bracelet making to talent shows.

The federal holiday Juneteenth, or June 19, 1865, marks the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas learned they were free. This came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and months after the end of the Civil War.

Here are some ways to celebrate the federal holiday this week in Cleveland.

The history of Juneteenth at Garfield Heights library 

  • When: Wednesday, June 17, 7 to 8 p.m. 
  • Where: Cuyahoga County Public Library, Garfield Heights Branch, 5409 Turney Road
  • Details: An educational program exploring the history and significance of Juneteenth and how it evolved from local community celebrations into a nationally recognized holiday. 

Juneteenth beaded bracelets making

  • When: Thursday, June 18, 3 to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Cleveland Public Library, Mt. Pleasant Branch, 14000 Kinsman Road
  • Details: Celebrate Juneteenth by making beaded bracelets.

Juneteenth jewelry making

  • When: Thursday, June 18, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
  • Where: Cleveland Public Library, Addison Branch, 6901 Superior Ave.
  • Details: Make a bracelet or necklace to wear to all your Juneteenth celebrations.

History of Juneteenth and button making

  • When: Thursday, June 18, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
  • Where: Cleveland Public Library, East 131st Branch, 3830 E. 131st St.
  • Details: Celebrate Juneteenth by learning how it came to be and make Juneteenth buttons.

Celebrate Black music at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 

  • When: Thursday, June 18, 7 p.m.
  • Where: Outside on the Rock Hall’s Plaza, 1100 Rock & Roll Blvd. (East 9th Street at Lake Erie)
  • Details: Celebrate Juneteenth at this free outdoor event by taking a deep dive into the history and legacy of Black music in Cleveland. Includes a panel discussion and music by Hubbs Groove. RSVP here.

Juneteenth celebration

  • When: Friday, June 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: St. Dominic Catholic Church, 3450 Norwood Road, Shaker Heights
  • Details: The Cleveland Catholic Diocese will celebrate the holiday with a 10 a.m. Mass followed by a family picnic with food and activities. Free.

Juneteenth celebration at the African American Cultural Garden 

  • When: Friday, June 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
  • Where: Across the street from the African American Cultural Garden, 890 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., in Rockefeller Park near St. Clair Avenue.
  • Details: This event features Kevin Conwell & Footprint Band, a student talent show, a Juneteenth Reenactment and a Children’s Village.

Juneteenth at the Cuyahoga County Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument 

  • When: Friday, June 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Where: Cuyahoga County Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, Public Square 
  • Details: This free family-friendly event will include readings of and conversation about General Order No. 3, which was issued by Major General Gordon Granger, who arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. The order let Texans know the Civil War had ended and all slaves were free. There will also be a story time featuring books from the Cleveland Public Library, coloring stations, snacks and monument tours.
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Suggested Reading

Maple Heights Library Juneteenth celebration

  • When: Friday, June 19, noon to 1:30 p.m. 
  • Where: Cuyahoga County Public Library, Maple Heights Branch, 5225 Library Lane, Maple Heights
  • Details: Celebrate Juneteenth with an original play entitled “The Chair of Stories” about three students who discover a mysterious chair in an attic. This play is written by Verlina Kirk and directed by Angela Winborn. 

Beachwood Juneteenth community celebration 

  • When: Friday, June 19, 4 to 7 p.m. 
  • Where: Beachwood High School Football Stadium, 25100 Fairmount Blvd. 
  • Details: A free family-friendly event featuring activities, games, a DJ, local vendors, food trucks and a screening of “Piece by Piece” on a giant movie truck.

University Heights Juneteenth celebration

  • When: Friday, June 19, 5 to 9 p.m.
  • Where: Walter Stinson Community Park, 2301 Fenwick Road
  • Details: This free family-friendly event features two stages with live music, dance and a talent show, interactive programs and vendors, artists and food.

Juneteenth celebration at Dunham Tavern

  • When: Saturday, June 20, noon to 4 p.m. 
  • Where: Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens, 6709 Euclid Ave.
  • Details: Hosted by neighbors from Hough, this free event features live performances, vendors and food. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets.

Celebrate Juneteenth at Warrensville Heights library 

  • When: Saturday, June 20, 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Where: Cuyahoga County Public Library, Warrensville Heights Branch, 4415 Northfield Road, Warrensville Heights 
  • Details: Celebrate Juneteenth at the Warrensville Library with food, art and live music.

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