Lima's annual Juneteenth brings cultural celebration to new amphitheater for the first time

LIMA, OH (WLIO) - For the first time, the Juneteenth Lima celebration was held at downtown's new Greater Lima Region Park and Amphitheater. Residents gathered to celebrate black history, culture, and achievement. 

Juneteenth, officially observed on June 19th, commemorates the day that the last slaves were freed in Texas, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation and two months after the end of the Civil War. 

Lima's annual celebration is a day for people of all backgrounds to come together, learn a little history, and appreciate the different cultures in our community. 

"When I took this over in 2022, that was the message of unity and inclusion that everyone is welcome here. It's not divisive whatsoever because there are people who come to these functions that we all work with and hang out with, and our kids play with and play sports together. It's just another event to bring people together in one place and just celebrate freedom," said Marc Wright, the chair of the event. 

One aspect of black culture that almost everyone can bond over is art. Bands and dancers spent the day showing everyone the styles that changed the landscape of American entertainment, with music even as far back as slave songs creating a chain reaction that led to genres like gospel, blues, and jazz.

"With black music, like black culture, we're not afraid to say how we feel, and so I think that's what's been the epitome of music in the world. With rock, expressing yourself, country, expressing yourself. So, with black music, we sing what we feel, and that has really changed how the world is perceived," explained Nikki D. Brown, a member of the Toledo-based band Nikki D and the Sisters of Thunder. 

The festivities also included a Business Pop-Up Zone. 50 businesses, many of them black-owned, were given the chance to reach new customers and network with others working towards the goal of being their own boss.

"They work hard. They work hard; it's a lot of work. We booked our vendors back in February, and they fill up within the first week every year. And they work hard; they prep a lot to get ready for this event because they do so well at it," added Megan Horton, the organizer of the pop-up. 

Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday in 2021. Most banks and government offices will be closed in observance on Wednesday.