Athens prepares for its annual Juneteenth celebration, scheduled for Thursday, to commemorate the complete emancipation of slavery in the U.S. Athens residents have celebrated the federal holiday the past four years, consistently highlighting the presence of Black history in the Southeast Ohio area.
The celebrations in Athens begins with two distinct tours, both highlighting local Black history. The Heritage Square Tour begins at 10 a.m. at Baker University Center. The walking tour is located in Uptown Athens and is led by experts from the Mount Zion Black Cultural Center. The tour goes down Court Street, around Carpenter Street and then down Congress Street.
Following the Heritage Square Tour is a trip to the Tablertown People of Color Museum, a local museum focusing on preserving important artifacts and history found in Southeast Ohio. Vans will be provided for transportation to and from this tour.
Executive Director of the Athens County Foundation Kerry Pigman commented on these tours and why they are important for the celebration.
“This year, with two tours offering the community a chance to learn more about Black history in Athens County, we’re reminded of the importance of honoring the past while actively building a more inclusive future,” Pigman said via email.
The Juneteenth Festival follows the tours and starts at 3 p.m. at the Athens Community Center. The festival will feature live music from a DJ, children's activities and food and merchandise vendors.
The final celebration occurs after the festival at Little Fish Brewing Company at 8675 Armitage Road. The event benefits the Athens County Foundation’s Racial Equity Fund. According to the restaurant's website, $1 from every draft beer sold will be donated to the fund.
These celebrations are organized and executed by the Juneteenth committee. The group is made up of members from the Athens County Foundation, the Ohio University Center for Campus & Community Engagement, Mount Zion Black Cultural Center and other community members and organizations.
Since the passing of Senate Bill 1 in March, Athens and OU have endured changes and regulations in regards to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
A press release issued April 29 by OU President Lori Stewart Gonzalez explained how OU has to make changes in compliance with SB 1. Gonzalez stated the university would shut down the Division of Diversity, the Multicultural Center, the Pride Center and the Women’s Center.
Diversity Equity Inclusion Accessibility Coordinator for the city of Athens Lacey Rogers spoke on how this year’s celebrations were different due to the implementation of those decisions. Rogers said the celebration was planned significantly more by the Athens people who had to step up and assume leadership roles that typically fell within the departments that closed down.
Assistant Director of the OU Center for Campus & Community Engagement Courtney Lefebvre Little commented on OU's commitment to organizing this celebration amidst the restrictions to DEI.
“As we continue to navigate evolving discussions at the state and federal levels, the University remains thankful to have a supportive community working together to continue to offer this important celebration to the Athens community,” Lefebvre Little said via email.
The commitment to celebrate Juneteenth reflects the local communities' consistent efforts to ensure the holiday remains a celebration of local history and culture.
Rogers commented on why Juneteenth is important to celebrate, specifically in Athens.
“We have a pretty diverse community in Athens, and we want to be able to celebrate everyone who is part of our community,” Rogers said. “It's just an opportunity to celebrate history, to educate people about history, and to just find a way to enjoy that together.”
