Columbus Juneteenth events will celebrate Black fashion, music, more. Here’s when they are
Columbus’ third annual Juneteenth celebration will feature nine events across 11 days starting next week.
The events, ranging from educational exhibits to block parties, begin with a job fair at the Columbus Civic Center. The event allows recent graduates to learn more about jobs in the area and companies to promote their missions. It will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Springer Opera House will host two events centered on Black history and culture. The first, open June 12, 13 and 15-19, is a digital catalog of historical fashion.
“Threads of Change” will display the fashion of Black women from the 1890s to 1963, highlighting its role in history and the iconic clothing of several famous Columbus women. The exhibit will include a live performance June 15 at 6:30 p.m.
The Springer’s other event is “Men of Motown,” a show featuring music by the Temptations, Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson. Keith McCoy, the Springer’s artistic director, said the show was an important part of the Juneteenth celebration.
“It’s a reflection of African American resilience,” he said. “This show is one piece of the Springer’s legacy of uplifting Black voices.”
Columbus residents looking to get outdoors can take a historic bike tour June 18, ending in a parade and block party at Woodruff Park at 8 p.m.
The Pierce Chapel will deliver a commemorative service June 19 at 11 a.m. before opening the building to salt photographs June 21. Salt photography is a process which uses historically accurate techniques and reenactments to emulate pictures from the 1860s.
The Gamma Tau Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority also will hold its 21st Western Roundup on June 21. The event will include music, food and the Dollars for Scholars fundraiser, which provides scholarships for Black women in higher education.
The city’s celebrations will culminate in the Juneteenth Jubilee, held June 22 from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Civic Center. The jubilee will include vendors, live music and children’s entertainment.
City Councilwoman Toyia Tucker, who helped start the city’s Juneteenth festivities in 2020, said she values the opportunity to bring so many events to Columbus.
“I’m paying honor to the village that raised me,” she said. “Juneteenth doesn’t belong to any one of us individually. It belongs to all of us.”
