Hamilton, Ohio has made the decision to cancel its annual Juneteenth festival.
The event, originally set to take place this Saturday, was called off by the organizers last month.
“The Hamilton Juneteenth Celebration, scheduled for June 15th at Marcum Park in 2024, has been suspended,” announced the organizers in May.
The committee decided to shift focus to the events planned for Black History Month 2025 and Juneteenth 2025, expressing gratitude for the contributions made this year and looking forward to future collaborations.
Candice White, co-organizer of the event, explained to Journal-News that unforeseen complications led to the cancellation.
Although the Juneteenth celebration had been well-received in Hamilton and the surrounding areas, unforeseen challenges arising during the planning process led to the tough decision to postpone the event until 2024.
Juneteenth commemorates the year 1865 when the last enslaved individuals in the United States gained freedom.
President Joe Biden signed a bill in 2021 designating June 19 as a federal holiday.
Ohio, along with other states, recognizes Juneteenth as a public holiday. Hamilton City Council specified in 2020 that June 19 would always be observed as Juneteenth.
Even though Hamilton has canceled its festival, other Ohio cities like Cleveland, Akron, and Cincinnati are gearing up for celebrations with parades, concerts, and more activities this weekend.
The State Senator This Week @HearcelCraig Rep. @iamDontavius A Juneteenth Celebration was held at the Ohio Statehouse in order to honor the start of the Month of Freedom, June. It also commemorated the achievements and sacrifices of Black Americans. pic.twitter.com/jiqefT03mh
The Ohio State Senate, represented by Democrat Hearcel Craig, recently hosted a Juneteenth celebration at the Ohio Statehouse.
Craig emphasized that Juneteenth not only marks freedom but also celebrates the resilience and strength of African Americans who triumphed over slavery.
The White House marked Juneteenth with a concert featuring performances by Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, and other artists on its South Lawn.
Biden, addressing the audience, stated, “Black History is American history.” He further added, “Today is a reminder of the work that remains. Keep pushing forward. Stay hopeful.”