Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — Juneteenth will be celebrated with various events and activities today through Sunday sponsored by the Black Arts and Culture Council of Youngstown.

Today is open mic night from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Dope Cider House, 460 E. Federal St., Suite B. On Friday is a panel discussion program on “Financial Freedom through Entrepreneurship,” 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Youngstown.

On Saturday will be a cultural festival from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Wean Park, 229 E. Front St.

On Sunday the cultural festival will continue from noon to 8 p.m. in the park.

The festival will include musical performances, food vendors, a cook off, car show, and Father’s Day activities.

Harambee Youngstown will be a featured performance as well as several band performances and Jazz on the Green

Juneteenth, which is officially Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

Deriving its name from combining June and 19th, it is celebrated on the anniversary of the order, issued by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas.

Originating in Galveston, Texas, Juneteenth since has been observed annually in various parts of the United States, often broadly celebrating African-American culture.

The day first was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

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