Freedom Day: Toledo occasions honor Juneteenth

Participants will celebrate June thirtieth at the BRAVE 2020 event. Photo courtesy of the BRAVE BG Facebook page.

It finally happened – more than a century and a half after African American communities in the south began celebrating June 10th, it is Freedom Day officially on the national holiday. But even before President Biden’s law goes into effect, community organizations in northwest Ohio were ready to celebrate the date with a variety of events next Saturday. Here are some to enjoy (all events are free unless otherwise noted):

The Fredrick Douglass Center is hosting a full Juniteenth Parade and Festival Start on Saturday at 11 a.m. The march begins at Toledo Town Center at 535 Dorr St. and ends in the Douglass Center parking lot, with a full selection of vendors, groceries and even vaccinations. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1001 Indiana Ave., 419-244-6722. TheDoug419.org

The fourth year Juniteenth Dashiki Day Party returns to the Spotlight Lounge with two DJs, different providers, a seductive kitchen and an inviting terrace. USD 5 for participants wearing traditional dashiki or other clothing representing black culture, USD 10 for others. 4 p.m. 710 S. Reynolds Rd., 419-720-3328. facebook.com/thespotlightlounge

The non-profit organization BRAVE of the Bowling Green Black Initiative will be theirs Second annual June celebration at BGs Wooster Green. The event will feature food and art (including live painting), as well as showcasing black-owned businesses and local music artists. 1 pm-9pm. 215 W. Wooster St., Bowling Green. bravebg.org

The Toledo Black Artist Coalition (TBAC) has partnered with the Toledo Museum of Art for an online exhibition entitled. teamed up “Out of the Dark: A Historic Journey.” Curated by eight members of TBAC, the exhibition is a spotlight on works by influential creators in the museum’s collection. “Out of the Dark” starts on June 19th toledomuseum.org.

Secor Metropark will be the location of a combination Summer solstice and anniversary celebration. The event features food trucks, stargazing and a screening of the Disney / Pixar movie “Soul”. 8 p.m. 10001 Central Avenue, Berkey. 419-360-9179. metroparkstoledo.com

The Human Relations Commission of the City of Toledo organizes a Juniteenth Community Cleanup Event on Saturday 9-11: 30am in the neighborhoods around Scott High School. Bags and gloves provided. tps.org