This year, Community Action Council’s Board of Directors has designated Friday, June 18th as an agency holiday. The following day, Saturday, June 19th, is Juneteenth, also called Jubilee Day or Emancipation Day, and it commemorates the announcement in Texas of the end of slavery for all Americans on June 19, 1865.
As an agency striving to bring about equality and equity for all, we want to honor the spirit of the board’s decision and participate in events or activities that celebrate freedom and honors African-American/Black culture.
I’ve searched to learn about community events that are free, open to the public, and happening on or around June 19th. We are a large organization with staff who live and work in many different counties, and so if you know of a free event that is happening, I encourage you to share the details with your colleagues who live in or near that community. And then, please share it with me; I will send out another email with any additional events a little closer to the day.
Here are some events happening near us:
Lexington
Juneteenth Celebration https://www.facebook.com/events/392647748456392
Location/Time: Base 110, 110 West Vine Street, from 11:30-1PM.
This free event will allow attendees to learn about African Culture, hear poetry, and enjoy free samples from local black-owned restaurants and caterers.
10:30am - 11:30am Kids Arts & Craft
11:30am - 1:00pm Taste of Soul (13 Black Owned Restaurants/Caterer)
Guest Speakers: Mildred Bailey & Debraun Thomas
Guest Soloist: Bobby Wallace & Sissy Williams
SoulFeast https://www.soulfeastweek.com/?fbclid=IwAR0cPos1irZsPKQHOHu3Xil1BqCH2yEh0riWDcPxRIuGGRIDhdn4yYVkmq4
This 10-day celebration does have a cost, but I wanted to include it because it looks amazing.
From their website: SoulFeast Week is a ten-day celebration of black culinary excellence highlighting black farmers, chefs, food establishments, caterers, and culinary vendors in Central Kentucky. The week will feature twelve curated dining experiences specifically crafted to showcase black agriculture from farm to table. Along with this, participating black-owned restaurants and food establishments will feature a unique, off-menu food item for less than $10.
SoulFeast Week is an opportunity for Kentuckians of all races and backgrounds to directly provide support for black businesses by putting their money where their mouths are-- literally.
Jessamine
Juneteenth Children’s Fun Night https://jesspublib.evanced.info/signup/eventdetails?eventid=15849&olink=%2Fevents%2Fcategory%2Ffamily%2Fday%2F2021-06-19%2F&otitle=Family&rtax=tribe_events_cat&rterm=372#038;lib=1000
Location/Time: Clint Hayden Park, 402 Park Drive, Nicholasville, KY 40356 at the corner of Chestnut and Jefferson Street, from 6:00PM-8:30PM
A free evening of entertainment and education designed to introduce the whole family to Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom sponsored by Gospel Word Missionary Church, Jessamine County Public Library, Nicholasville Police Department, Jessamine County Judge Executive’s Office and EyeWoo Productions.
Performance by Stage One Family Theater
Live DJ & dance contest
Cake Walk
Free food, drinks & desserts
Games & activities for kids & teens
Giveaways – including new children’s books
StageOne Family Theatre in Louisville brings beloved children’s books to life in their engaging Storytellers performances series. In Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper, a young girl celebrates the struggles and triumphs of her ancestors in this important moment in American history and Sandwich Swap by Rania Al-Abdullah explores a friendship pushed to its limits over a sandwich. Will two friends learn to celebrate their differences?
Bring your own lawn chairs. In case of rain, a new location will be announced. No registration required.