Juneteenth

2022 Juneteenth in Athens 

juneteeth flag - 19 days of juneteenthThe Athens community is invited to acknowledge, celebrate, and honor Juneteenth by joining in a community-led, community-wide 19 Days of Juneteenth celebration.

19 Day of Juneteenth is organized by a group of local community members and organization leaders of Athens-Clarke County and is funded by the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission. The Leisure Services Department and Inclusion Office are offering administrative support and planning. 

Meet the 2022 Juneteenth Collective:

Asia Thomas • Broderick Flanigan • Chris Anani • Daryl Bloodshaw • Fred Smith • Freda Scott Giles • James Scott • Lemuel Life LaRoche • Linda Davis • Lora Smothers • Michele Pearson Tucker • Michelle Cook • Montu Miller • Rashe Malcom • Rick Dunn • Terris Thomas • Valerie Bell • Yvonne Davenport


History of Juneteenth

A brief history of the Juneteenth holiday, according to the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation:

  • “It was not until Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX with 1800 troops. Then on June 19th, 1865, Granger issued General No.3 advising all, that slaves had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment. Thus, began what is now known as Juneteenth. It is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. The celebration not only commemorates African American freedom throughout America, it also emphasizes education and achievement internationally. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future.”
  • On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed into law Senate Bill 475 making Juneteenth a federal holiday. It is the first federal holiday established since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.

Juneteenth Flag 


juneteenth calendar

Download the calendar

Calendar of Events: (scroll down for more details)

  • June 1 - Juneteenth Collective Kickoff Hype Video
  • June 2 - "Just Mercy" showing at the historic Morton Theatre
  • June 3 - Grand Slam: Juneteenth Edition
  • June 4 - "Athens Vignettes: A Community Speaks" 
  • June 5 - "From 1619 to Juneteenth: Slavery and the Law Before the Civil War" at the ACC Library
  • June 6 - MBNA (Minority Business and Nonprofit Association)  Podcast: The Art of Storytelling 
  • June 7 - tbd
  • June 8 - "Giving Voice to Linnentown" event with Ms. Hattie Whitehead at Cedar Shoals High School
  • June 9 + 10 - AthHistory Podcast Release: Juneteenth Edition
  • June 11 - Black History Bowl
  • June 12 - "Jazz at the West" at Ebenezer Baptist Church West
  • June 13 - Juneteenth Day at Joy Village 
  • June 14 - "Giving Voice to Linnentown" event with Ms. Hattie Whitehead at the Boys and Girls Club
  • June 15 - Live Cooking Juneteenth Celebration at Cooperative Extension Office
  • June 16 - tbd
  • June 17 - Movie in the Park: "Harriet" at Lyndon House Arts Center
  • June 18 - Juneteenth at the West Broad Farmers Market
  • June 18 - "Juneteenth is the New 4th" Outdoor Festival at Holland Youth Sports Complex 
  • June 19 - tbd
  • June 20 - "What Freedom Means to Me" Oratory Contest at First AME

June 1, 2022  - Juneteenth Collective Kickoff Event

hosted by the Juneteenth Collective

Check back for more details!

June 2, 2022 - "Just Mercy" at the historic Morton Theatre

Morton Theatre, 195 W. Washington Street, 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: xxxx

Join us for a free showing of "Just Mercy" Free tickets available on MyRec while supplies last - 

“Just Mercy” is based on the powerful and thought-provoking true story of young lawyer Bryan Stevenson (Jordan) and his history-making battle for justice. After graduating from Harvard, Bryan had his pick of lucrative jobs. Instead, he heads to Alabama to defend those wrongly condemned or who were not afforded proper representation, with the support of local advocate Eva Ansley (Larson). One of his first, and most incendiary, cases is that of Walter McMillian (Foxx), who, in 1987, was sentenced to die for the notorious murder of an 18-year-old girl, despite a preponderance of evidence proving his innocence and the fact that the main testimony against him came from a criminal with a motive to lie. In the years that follow, Bryan becomes embroiled in a labyrinth of legal and political maneuverings, as well as overt and unabashed racism as he fights for Walter, and others like him, with the odds—and the system—stacked against them.

June 3, 2022 - Grand Slam Juneteenth Night

Thomas N. Lay Park, 297 Hoyt Street, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Save Your Spot.

Local teens ages 11-14 will learn about the history of Juneteenth and participate in Juneteenth themed activities as part of the first week of 2022's Grand Slam Program. Grand Slam meets every Friday night during the summer.