THREE DAYS OF MUSIC, FOOD AND FAMILY FUN!
The 20th 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 have the opportunity to produce the 20th Annual JuneteenthOhio Festival June 18th – 20th in Columbus Ohio at the beautiful and historical Franklin Park. Activities begin at 12 Noon and last until 9:00 p.m. each day”. states Mustafaa Shabazz, JuneteenthOhio Chairman.

“The main goal this year was to keep the event free for festival goers and affordable to the small business community, while improving the quality of activities and attractions for the entire city of Columbus. Another goal was to bring needed resources to the near east area of Columbus Ohio. We have recruited various employment & health organizations to participate for 3 days in hopes that the community can benefit from good health habits and employment opportunities. The free three day event will offer free health screenings, a job fair, City Wide talent show, The Black inventors Exhibit, Free your mind book fair, a Chess tournament, a production of Roots, Jazz featuring “Phill Perry” The Mc Donald’s Gospel concert series will include Jay Moss, Chris Davis and Ty-Tribbett the old school R&B music, features Rick James Stone City Band and Ohio’s Own ZAPP!. The taste of Columbus is at the Soul food pavilion.

This year’s sponsors are: The Ohio lottery, Commission on Minority Health, Cardinal Health, Mc Donald’s, African American Alzheimer Association, Target, Greater Columbus Black Chamber Of Commerce, Blackpoweradio.com Ujamaa Bookstore. Urban trendsetter, Ohio Commission On African American Males, Radio one, of Columbus, City Of Columbus Recreation & Parks, WJZA 103.5 State Farm, Izania Alkebulan Inc. 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 85,000 people attended last year’s JuneteenthOhio festival. The 19th 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.

Friday, June 18th, 2009
JuneteenthOhio Presents “Jazz In Franklin Park”
12:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Black Inventors Exhibit
Free your mind book fair
Recognizing sponsors & community volunteers
Children’s Pavilion “Under Ground Rail Road Journey”
Health Screenings & Wellness Activities
Cultural Marketplace
Soul Food Pavilion
Entertainment "TBA"
National Recording artist “TBA”

Saturday, June 19th, 2009
JuneteenthOhio Presents Gospel Saturday
12:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
City Wide Drum Call
Honoring Community Elders
Black Inventors Exhibit
Citywide Talent Show
Free your mind Book Fair
JuneteenthOhio Chess Tournament
Children’s Pavilion (Under Ground Rail Road Journey)
Health screenings & wellness activities
Cultural Marketplace
Soul Food Pavilion
Classic Kar Show

SOS Band

Sunday June 20th, 2009
Old school Sunday
12:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m.
Open mic spoken word
Black Inventors Exhibit
Juneteenth Re-enactment (Roots)
Father’s Day Tribute,
Free your mind book fair
Children’s Pavilion Underground Railroad Journey
Health screening & wellness activities
Cultural marketplace
Soul Food Pavilion