City of Columbus Announces 5th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration

City officials are inviting residents and visitors to participate in the 5th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration, a month-long series of events dedicated to unity, reflection, education and community engagement.

Throughout June, community members will have opportunities to celebrate the history and significance of Juneteenth through a variety of free public events designed to bring families, friends and neighbors together. Activities will include parades, live performances, job fairs, wellness initiatives, cultural programs, athletic tournaments and educational events highlighting the contributions and resilience of African Americans.

Organizers said the celebration aims to promote fellowship while honoring a pivotal moment in American history.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3, announcing that all enslaved people were free. The declaration came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Sept. 22, 1862.

According to historical records, more than 2,000 federal soldiers from the 13th Army Corps accompanied Granger to Texas, where General Order No. 3 was read publicly at numerous locations throughout Galveston. The order informed residents that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all enslaved people were free.

Today, Juneteenth is widely recognized as a celebration of freedom and the enduring pursuit of equality. Often referred to as America's "Second Independence Day," the observance has long been celebrated within African American communities and has gained broader national recognition in recent years.

The City of Columbus launched its inaugural unified Juneteenth Jubilee and Unity Week celebration in 2022. The effort was chaired by Councilwoman Toyia Tucker and former Columbus Civic Center Director Rob Landers and involved more than 30 local leaders, civic organizations and community partners.

The first citywide celebration was held from June 14-20, 2022, under the theme, "From the Diaspora to Our Destiny." The initiative was created to commemorate the influence of African Americans on American culture through events focused on civics, arts, humanities, music, fashion, food and cultural heritage.

City officials say the Juneteenth Jubilee has grown into one of Columbus' signature community celebrations and continues to serve as a platform for education, remembrance and unity.

Organizers encourage individuals, community groups and organizations interested in participating or volunteering to contact the Juneteenth Jubilee Committee at juneteenth@columbusga.org for additional information.

"We look forward to continuing this important tradition for many years to come," organizers said.