Juneteenth
2022 Juneteenth in Athens
The 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
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.
June 4, 2022 - Athens Vignettes: A Community Speaks
presented by Town and Gown Players
Lyndon House Arts Center, 297 Hoyt Street, 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Tickets: ####
View a taped performance of the play, "Athens Vignettes" by Roshaunda Breeden, followed by an open discussion. The play addresses Athens history as viewed in the present concerning Linnentown, the Baldwin Hall remains, the relationship between UGA and the Athens African American community, and the impact of urban renewal.
June 5, 2022 - From 1619 to Juneteenth: Slavery and the Law Before the Civil War
ACC Library, 2025 Baxter Street, 2:00 p.m.
This is an online event. Access the link.
No issue more bitterly impacted early America than slavery. Defended by some, decried by others, slavery left its mark on the laws of the nation and all the states, enslaved or free. The records created by those laws provide critical clues for genealogists, whether descended from enslaved or enslaver. Learn more about those laws and genealogy with Legal Genealogist, Judy Russell. This event is sponsored by the Athens-Clarke County Library, Heritage Room and the Athens Chapter of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. The event will be held online via Zoom, registration will be required, a recording of the event will be available for 30 days.
June 6, 2022 - MBNA Podcast Release: The Art of Storytelling
Hear Michele Pearson Tucker discuss the art of storytelling through interviews with local residents and explore how storytelling is an integral part of the past and why it's essential for the future. The Minority Business and Nonprofit Assocation is a trusted resource and proven advocate for minority businesses and charitable organizations.
June 7, 2022 - tbd
Check back for more details!
June 8, 2022 - Giving Voice to Linnentown
Cedar Shoals High School, 1300 Cedar Shoals Drive, 2:00 p.m.
Save your spot: #####
Live discussion with the author of the book "GIving Voice to Linnentown" by Hattie Thomas Whitehead. The book recounts how federal legislation affected the community and families of Linnentown when their community is erased by "urban renewal." Books will be distributed prior to the events with time for participants to read prior to the discussion.
June 9+10, 2022 - ATHistory Podcast Release: Special Edition - Juneteenth
Hear Athens Stories by Athens People. Enjoy interviews with Mr. Fred Smith and Ms. Linda Davis.
June 11, 2022 - Black History Bowl "Looking Back to Move Forward: Continuing the Legacy"
Elizabeth G. King Gymnasium the Boys and Girls Club, 11a.m.
The 2022 Athens Area Black History Bowl - "Looking Back to Move Forward: Continuing the Legacy" This rigorous quiz competition promotes an awareness of and appreciation for African-American Heritage. Teams complete based on knowledge of national, state, and local black history in various categories, including economics, civil rights, education, science, and entertainment. The Bowl also affords youth participants quality time with positive adult role models. Trophies and certificates will be awarded to the winners and participants.
June 12, 2022 - Jazz at the West, featuring The James Weismann Quartet.
presented by the Scholarship Commitee at Ebenezer Baptist Church West, 205 N. Chase Street, 2:00 p.m.
Let the sounds of jazz fill your ears and raise your spirit with the James Weismann Quartet. Jazz originated in the African-American communities in New Orleans, with roots in blues and ragtime. Now, nearly every musical artist is inspired by Jazz. Experience the jazz phenomenon firsthand and be forever inspired. This event is sponsored by the Scholarship Committee at Ebenezer Baptist Church West, which raises funds for scholarships for high school and college students.
June 13, 2022 - Juneteenth Day at Joy Village
Joy Village School, 320 Research Drive, 9:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m.
Secure your spot. Space is limited to 50 youth entering K-8th grade.
A fun day for youth to learn about Juneteenth in the morning followed by a meal and ice cream for dessert. Plus a dance break or two. Joy Village School is a K-8th private school in Athens, GA centering the joy and thriving of Black youth.
June 14, 2022 - Giving Voice to Linnentown
Boys and Girls Club, 705 Fourth Street, 2:00 p.m.
Save your spot: #####
Live discussion with the author of the book "GIving Voice to Linnentown" by Hattie Thomas Whitehead. The book recounts how federal legislation affected the community and families of Linnentown when their community is erased by "urban renewal." Books will be distributed prior to the events with time for participants to read prior to the discussion.
June 15, 2022 - Cooking: Juneteenth Celebration
Cooperative Extension Office, 275 Cleveland Road, 1:30 p.m.
Save your spot: ####
In person and live streamed cooking demonstration of a recipe selection from "Watermelon and Red Birds:" A Cookbook for Juneteenth and Black Celebrations by food writer and cookbook author Nicole Taylor.
June 16, 2022 - tbd
Check back for more details!
June 17, 2022 - Movie in the Park: "Harriet"
Lyndon House Arts Center, 297 Hoyt Street, 9:30 p.m.
Bring blankets and chairs to view "Harriet" on the beautiful lawn of the Lyndon House Arts Center.
The extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transormation into one of America's greatest heroes, who courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.
June 18, 2022 - Juneteenth at the West Broad Farmers Market
Rocksprings Park, 291 Henderson Extension, 11 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Celebrate Juneteenth at the West Broad Farmers Market with home cooked meals, an interactive Kids Zone, and meet local entrepreneurs and farmers.
June 18, 2022 - Juneteenth is the New 4th
Holland Youth Sports Complex, 250 Vincent Drive, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Celebrate Juneteenth with a Community Gathering complete with a kickball tournament, field day games, kid's zone, water wars, DJ, live music, a pop up market, and food trucks. Trust us, you don't to miss this community-wide family reunion style event.
June 19, 2022 - tbd
Check back for more details!
June 20, 2022 - "What Freedom Means to Me" Oratory Contest
First AME Church, 521 N. Hull St, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
details tbd