June 17 - Juneteenth in Oberlin
This year, Juneteenth will be held at the George A. Abram Pavilion on Edison Street on Saturday, June 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Juneteenth programming will include an opening prayer by Elder Reverend Nevels, a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by Oberlin College alum Donnay Edmund, and comments by Dr. Mary Ann Harris. Children’s activities and a live DJ will be offered all day along. Food vendors and other vendors will be on site for the celebration.
The Juneteenth Parade will take place at 12:00 noon beginning at Spring Street Park and moving along Pleasant Street to the Roundhouse and the Pavilion on Edison Street. The parade will feature a band led by Oberlin College alum Daniel Spearman, horsemen, a clown, candy, dancers, and other fun features.
The Maafa commemoration will be held at Westwood Cemetery in Oberlin from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. and will have an opening prayer by Elder Laurence Nevels. Shirley Chambers will lead those assembled in a selection as she has for the last five years. Daniel Spearman plays the trumpet for ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing.’ There will also be a moment of silence to recognize the passing of Ms. Linda Isabell (May 28, 1947 - January 13, 2023).
This event is hosted by Juneteenth Oberlin.
