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Juneteenth celebration planned June 19 at Toledo Museum of Art
The Toledo Museum of Art and its Committee for Cultural Diversity will present their sixth annual Juneteenth from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 19, 2010, at the Museum. The celebration features African-American food, music, dance, hands-on art and other activities. Admission to the Museum, parking and most activities is free.
The roots of Juneteenth lie in the U.S. Civil War era. In 1863 President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation freed all enslaved persons in the Confederate States. But it wasn’t until two years later, on June 19, 1865, that 250,000 enslaved African-Americans in Texas finally heard the news. The celebrations that followed began a tradition that has lasted more than 140 years.
Today, Juneteenth—as the original celebrations were dubbed—is celebrated in cities across the nation to recognize African-American cultural contributions to U.S.-American life.
TMA’s Committee for Cultural Diversity spearheaded the Museum’s first Juneteenth celebration in 2005 and continues to provide support for the event. An ad hoc committee of the Board of Directors, the committee strives to encourage greater awareness of Toledo’s culturally diverse community.
Throughout the day, there will be gallery tours, Civil War reenactments, food inspired by African-American flavors, glassblowing demonstrations and face painting. Hands-on art activities will include making baskets, drums, animal masks, hats, kites and African mud cloths.
A variety of dance and musical entertainment will also be provided. Among performers appearing will be Curtis Jr. & the Midnight Rockers, The Jamm Band, Drums of Thunder, Queens of Harmony, and Funk Nation featuring Ron Ricks.
A pre-Juneteenth kick-off activity is planned from 7-9 p.m. Friday, June 18 in Libbey Court, where Museum visitors can make their own rhythm instruments.
Tickets ($15 members/$25 nonmembers) are available on the day of the event at the Glass Pavilion Visitor Services Desk. Adults and children 14 years of age and older with an adult are welcome.
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