Thu 6/19 @ 10AM-4PM
While the big Juneteenth Freedom Fest took place on Mall C downtown, and numerous cities, organizations and venues have their own smaller Juneteenth celebrations, one of the most welcoming and historically respectful celebrations takes place at the African-American Cultural Garden in Rockefeller Park.
Their celebration typically features Afrocentric vendors, exhibits on Black history, games and other activities for kids, and performances by acts such as gospel choirs, African dancers, historical pageants, and young singers. We can’t say exactly what you might see this year, because they haven’t published a schedule, but there’s a good chance Obie Shelton, executive director of the garden’s overseeing organization, will play some tunes on his violin. The garden is on a hillside that creates a natural amphitheater; a permanent stage is in the garden’s long-term plans. But be sure to walk to the top of the hill and look through the archway down to the bowl, the “Door of No Return” representing the Middle Passage.
The event is free and open to all.