SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- The city, on June 18, will celebrate the Juneteenth holiday with an event that will not only provide entertainment, but also education.
“With this being our third year (of Juneteenth events) we really wanted to focus on continuing the goal of educating the community on the history and importance behind Juneteenth, while also spotlighting local vendors, some from right here in the city of South Euclid,” said Councilwoman at-large Chanell Elston, who has organized all three of South Euclid’s Juneteenth celebrations.
The actual Juneteenth holiday takes place on June 19. Also known as Emancipation Day, it commemorates the end of slavery in the United States by marking the day in 1865 when the last African-American slaves were freed in Texas.
“Each year we have built in a new educational component to the event,” Elston said. “The past two years we focused on the importance behind the day and the meaning behind the official Juneteenth flag.”
The South Euclid celebration will take place from 1-4 p.m. June 18 on the grounds of Garfield Memorial Church, 1534 S. Green Road. The family-friendly event is a collaboration between the city, Garfield Memorial Church and MyCom Youth & Workforce Development.
“We’ll have two poets, yoga sessions, and we’ll have DJ Lily Jade, bounce houses and face painting,” she said. The poets include South Euclid Poet Laureate Doc Janning and Raja Belle Freeman, both of South Euclid, while DJ Lily Jade, 8, also of South Euclid, will provide music.
Eleven vendors will be present, including South Euclid food truck Tropical Sno CLE, as well as other vendors selling food from tables. Some of the vendors will include Jowan Smith children’s books; Stephanie Stewart P31 Art & Design t-shirts, candles and personalized products; Humble Mornings Coffee Co.; The 4 Bistro & Wine Bar; Celestial Treats; various pastry vendors; and African attire and accessory vendors.
“We want to merge education and fun together,” Elston said. “So, it’s a purposeful event. We want everyone to come out and have a good time, but we also want them to take away some knowledge about the history of Juneteenth.
“Everyone’s history is important, and I am thrilled to be a part of a city that allows me to use my platform to bring people together,” Elston said.
It is estimated that 150 people attended the 2022 Juneteenth event. “From the first year, it has definitely grown,” Elston said. “We expect even more to attend this year.”
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