June 17, 2021 - This coming Saturday, June 19, is Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, it would take two and a half years for the order to reach Texas, where the announcement was read by Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger in Galveston on June 19, 1865. Earlier this week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a measure to formally make June 19 the nation’s “second” Independence Day. President Biden signed the bill into law today. Although District classes are out for summer recess, we encourage our students, families and staff to recognize and reflect on this important date.
On this Juneteenth, the Shaker Schools Foundation is co-hosting a Minority Achievement Committee (MAC) Scholars Alumni Conference celebrating the 30th anniversary of the MAC Scholars program. Alumni Scholars will share their personal stories and experiences with current Scholars and participate in a panel discussion on current topics.
Shaker Heights High School’s Student Group on Race Relations (SGORR) will be presenting at a student-led anti-racism arts workshop hosted by Same Color Shadow on Thursday, June 17. The workshop consists of two, three-hour events that use shadow dance, small group discussion, and silhouette art to engage youth face-to-face and virtually on controversial subjects around racism and other systemic issues affecting their community. The first workshop will take place Thursday, June 17. The second workshop will take place Saturday, June 19.
Here are few additional ideas and events Cuyahoga County has shared:
Attend the Juneteenth Festival on June 19 at Mall C in Downtown Cleveland from noon-10:00 p.m. This will be a citywide, family-friendly celebration and commemoration of Juneteenth, featuring a performance by Karamu House, the country’s oldest Black producing theatre, a vendor village to spotlight Black businesses and entrepreneurs, community program and education, food trucks, and a fireworks finale.
The Buckeye Summer Soul Series, in partnership with NAACP Cleveland Branch, Black Lives Matter Cleveland and New Era Cleveland, will host the 4th Annual #JuneteenthOnBuckeye, Saturday, June 19, 2021, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM, at the Art & Soul park located at 11802 Buckeye Rd, Cleveland, OH 44120. The celebration will include live entertainment, giveaways, food and various support resources for residents.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will host free outdoor music culminating with a special performance from Djapo Cultural Institute. Events begin at noon.
Read about Black history, Black poets, Black leaders, and Black achievements. Check out Cleveland Public Library’s Juneteenth Recommended Reading List.
Donate to a national or local organization that works to fight racism.
Host a watch party for a historical documentary or movie like 13th (Netflix) or Just Mercy (Amazon).
Support Black-owned businesses. Here’s a great list compiled by Cleveland Magazine of where you can support Black-owned businesses in Cleveland.
Spur conversations with your family and friends about the history and importance behind Juneteenth.
This Juneteenth, take the time to celebrate in our community.