Juneteenth Celebration

Dedication of African American Cultural Garden Pavilion

CLEVELAND – On Saturday, June 18, Mayor Frank G. Jackson and other city officials will celebrate Juneteenth by marking the completion of Phase I of the African American Cultural Gardens (AACG) project. The Juneteenth celebration commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. state of Texas in June 1865, and more generally the emancipation of African-American slaves.

During the celebration, Mayor Jackson and other officials will preside over the dedication ceremony of the Past Pavilion in the African American Cultural Gardens located at the Wheelock Avenue, end of the African American Cultural Garden site, the Past Pavilion seeks to translate the experience of the initial aspects of the “Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade” through the reinterpretation of the corridors, dungeons and ultimately the Doorway of No Return of the slave castles located along the western coast of Africa.

The African American Cultural Garden is a tribute to the history, culture, artistry and enduring strength of people of African and American heritage throughout Greater Cleveland and the United States. The African American Cultural Garden design includes water, stone and trees to convey the themes of justice, democracy and hope.

WHO: Mayor Frank G. Jackson

WHAT: Juneteenth Celebration and Dedication of AACG Pavilion

WHERE: 890 Martin Luther King Dr.
             Cleveland, Ohio 44108

WHEN: Saturday, June 18
           1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

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