THREE DAYS OF MUSIC, FOOD AND FAMILY FUN!
The 22nd Annual JuneteenthOhio Festival is the longest-running, fastest growing event in the Central Ohio African American Community. Juneteenth commemorates President Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, an act that began to free African Americans and Black indigenous natives of the northern continent. The last state in the union to receive news of this historic event was Galveston Texas on June 19, 1865. Almost two and a half years later, General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston Texas and read order number three freeing the remaining blacks of the union. This is the date recognized by 35 million African Americans throughout the nation as their Independence Day.

“We are grateful and honored to produce the 22nd Annual JuneteenthOhio Festival, June 22nd – 24th in Columbus Ohio at the beautiful and historical Franklin Park. Activities begin at 12 Noon to 9:00 pm each day”. States Mustafaa Shabazz JuneteenthOhio Chairman.

“The main goal this year is to adding a College & Career Job Fair. We are initiating a call to action for all local colleges, career centers and employers of big and small businesses to join us for a weekend of community building! We also strive to increase awareness of the great contributions African Americans made to this great nation, while improving the quality of activities and attractions for all festival goers. The free three day event will offer free health screenings, a job fair, City Wide talent show, Free College & Career Job Fair, a Chess tournament, Jazz and gospel. The taste of Columbus is at the Soul food pavilion.

Sponsorship and vending opportunities are still available. In addition, business, Individual donors and others are encouraged to contribute as Friends of the festival offering donations between $5 and $999. Donor’s names will be listed in the JuneteenthOhio Program Booklet.” In-kind products and services are still vitally needed,” Shabazz states, Minority and female owned businesses are urged to participate as vendors or sponsors. According to Shabazz nearly 150,000 people attended last year’s JuneteenthOhio festival.

The 22nd Annual JuneteenthOhio festival has something for everybody! Bring a loved one to the health and book fair, featuring local and national authors, or visit the Soul Food and Children’s Pavilion, register for the City-Wide Talent Show, or just come out and enjoy jazz in the park Friday,Gospel Saturday, and Old School Sunday.

Freedom Day Friday, June 22nd, 2012
Take Off Work Friday
12:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
• College Career & Job Fair!
• Health Pavillion
• Children’s “Under Ground Rail Road Journey”
• Adventure Center Guest Speaker - Merriwa Kwesi
• Cultural Marketplace
• Soul Food CookOff & Pavilion
• Reggae Concert



Family Reunion Saturday, June 23rd, 2012

Gospel & Regae Concerts
12 noon - 9:00pm (Franklin Park)
• 3 mile Unity walk - 9:00 am
• City-Wide Drum Call - 12 Noon (Honoring community elder! Spoken Word by Elder Is Said & Tony West)
• College Career & Job Fair - Noon to 6:00 p.m.
• City-Wide Talent Show - 6:00 p.m.
• Children’s pavilion (underground rail road journey)
• Soul Food & Cultural Market
• Gospel Concert Series (TBA)

Natural Hair & Style Show Sunday June 24th, 2012
12 noon to 9:00 pm
• Children’s Pavilion Underground Rail Road Journey
• Soul Food & Cultural Market Place
• Health Pavillion
• Bringing Saxy Back to the City