Juneteenth is Sunday, June 19, 2022
Celebrate Freedom!
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. We’re marking this federal holiday with crafts and activities in all of our branches this month. Come learn more with us!
What is Juneteenth?
On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the freedom of the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas — more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln had originally issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Jubilee Day, is marked by celebrations, family gatherings, picnics, and readings of the Emancipation Proclamation. As Juneteenth is an occasion not just for celebration, but also for reflection and education, we recognize and honor the profound contributions of Black people to American history and culture. We hope you will join us in celebrating Juneteenth and celebrating Black history and excellence!
Read!
| Juneteenth Books for Early Readers
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Books for Young Adults
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Adult Books for Juneteenth
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Participate!
Throughout June, DCDL will be honoring Juneteenth with ongoing projects and activities.
Help us make our own Freedom Quilt! When people escaped their enslavers and headed north, it was hard to know where to look for help. According to legend, one could find a safe house by looking for a quilt hanging from a clothesline or windowsill. Each design, or “block,” on a quilt had a secret meaning that would help a person know how to proceed or what dangers to expect on the dangerous path to freedom. Though we can’t be sure if quilt codes are completely fact or folklore, quilting continues to be an important part of African-American tradition and art. Join us at a DCDL location to color your own quilt square to add to our growing Freedom Quilts, or download coloring sheets now!
Learn more about Quilt Codes!
While you’re visiting the Library, please take a moment to help us build our Freedom Wall. Juneteenth is all about celebrating freedom, and we need your help as we create a piece of artwork showing the things we value about our freedom. All ages can participate! Here’s how it works: Grab a blank star at the exhibit at Orange Branch and Delaware Main Libraries and write your answer to the following question: WHAT DOES FREEDOM MEAN TO YOU? Hang your star on the wall wherever you like, and please take a moment to see what others have to say, too!
And be sure to check out these great events this month:
| Wednesday, June 15, 4 – 5pm
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Friday, June 24, 2 – 3pm
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Celebrate!
Celebrate freedom at these special Juneteenth events around Delaware County and Central Ohio!
Saturday, June 11
- Major Taylor Cycling Club 1st Annual Juneteenth Ride, Fairwood Park, 1392 Fairwood Avenue, Columbus, 7 am – 3 pm
- Pop-Up Black Wall Street, Polaris Fashion Place, 1500 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, 11 am – 8 pm
Saturday, June 18
- Juneteenth Celebration at Blue Limestone Park, 6 King Avenue, Delaware, 10 am – 2 pm
- 25th Annual Juneteenth Ohio Festival, Genoa Park, 303 West Broad Street, Columbus, noon – 11 pm
- Juneteenth Family Affair, 1977 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, noon – 3 pm
- Juneteenth on the Ave, Mt. Vernon Ave (between 17th and St. Clair), Columbus, noon – 6 pm
- Juneteenth Community Festival, Phenix Banquet Center, 2101 Noe Bixby Road, Columbus, 4 – 9pm
- Unity Community Center Juneteenth Gala, 800 Cheshire Rd, Delaware, 6 – 9 pm
Sunday, June 19
- 25th Annual Juneteenth Ohio Festival, Genoa Park, 303 West Broad Street, Columbus, noon – 11 pm
Watch!
Learn more!
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