Akron Reporter

Akron, Ohio — In 2021, Akron City Council passed a resolution presented by Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Council President Margo Sommerville to designate June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day in the City of Akron. Additionally, in 2021 President Joe Biden signed legislation into law establishing Juneteenth National Independence Day as a US federal holiday commemorating the proclamation of the end of slavery in the United States. All City of Akron municipal offices will be closed for business on Monday, June 19, 2023 in observance of the Juneteenth Independence Day.

Curb service will continue as normal on Monday, June 19. There will be no delays in service with trash/recycle collections Monday through Friday. To get reminders and alerts about your household’s curb service schedule, please download the Akron Recycles app for free on Android or Apple devices.

On June 19, 1865, more than 2 years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation — enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally received word that they were free from bondage.  As those who were formerly enslaved were recognized for the first time as citizens, Black Americans came to commemorate Juneteenth with celebrations across the country, building new lives and a new tradition that we now honor with this holiday. 

"Juneteenth Independence Day is a day of celebration and unity but also one of remembrance," said Mayor Dan Horrigan. "Juneteenth offers us a prime opportunity to recommit ourselves to the work of equity right here in our own community. And I encourage all Akronites to take part in one of the many celebrations and educational events happening for Juneteenth.” 

There are several community events planned to recognize Juneteenth Independence Day:

Friday, June 16

• 2pm - 6pm - Akron Urban League Daytime Juneteenth Celebration (Family Friendly, Children Welcome) - Parking Lot of the Akron Urban League (440 Vernon Odom Blvd.)
• 7pm – 11pm - Akron Urban League Evening Event Inside (21 and over) Register to attend here

Saturday, June 17

• Multiple local organizations are hosting a Juneteenth Celebration at Stoner Hawkins Plaza (1201 S. Hawkins Ave.) from 1pm-7pm. Parade kicks off the celebration at 1pm stepping off at the Buchtel CLC.

Monday, June 19

• Ward 5 Councilwoman Tara Mosley will host a Juneteenth Festival at Joy Park Community Center (825 James Ingram Way) from 12-5 p.m.
• Summit County Historical Society is partnering with the Akron Zoo for a hike to the John Brown Monument beginning at 4pm. This special opportunity is coordinated through the Society's John Brown Institute and will occur prior to the Community Talk Back scheduled at 5 p.m. at the John Brown House. Hike attendees must arrive to the Akron Zoo and go to the left back lot to meet by 4 p.m. for access to the monument.

Original source can be found here.