Juneteenth festival grows on College Green
The annual Juneteenth Festival returns to ºÚÁϳԹÏ’s College Green on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 3 to 6 p.m. with a renewed focus on community, celebration and connection.
Staff reports | Edited by Emma Stevenson | June 4, 2025
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Juneteenth, which became a federal holiday in 2021, marks the arrival of Union troops in Galveston Bay, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to announce the freedom of more than 250,000 enslaved African Americans, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It is widely recognized as the nation’s second Independence Day and a time to reflect on Black history, resilience and joy.
Now in its fifth year, the Athens Juneteenth Festival is co-hosted by ºÚÁϳԹÏ, the city of Athens, the , the Athens , the and the , marking a shift toward deeper community ownership and participation.
This year’s celebration embraces a festival atmosphere with something for all ages. Attendees can enjoy free food, live music, children’s activities, community vendors and educational booths that highlight local and regional Black history. Before the festival, community members are invited to join the Mount Zion Black Cultural Center for its Heritage Square Tour, showcasing Black history in uptown Athens, at 10 a.m., followed by a visit to the in Stewart, Ohio, at 12:15 p.m. (). The event is free and open to the public.
Vendor and Volunteer Opportunities
Local businesses, artists, and community organizations are invited to set up a table or provide services during the event. Volunteers are also needed to help the day run smoothly.
For more information, visit ohio.edu/juneteenth or contact communityengagement@ohio.edu.
Join us as we gather to honor the past, celebrate the present, and build toward a shared future, together, as a community.