‘Education, reflection and joy:’ Columbus gears up for biggest Juneteenth Jubilee yet

A snappy rendition of James Brown’s 1965 hit “I Got You (I Feel Good),” a performance from a local girls dance group to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” and a moving poem by local writer Grandè Beauty highlighted Wednesday’s press conference for Columbus’ fifth annual Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration – and provided a small taste of what residents can expect as a month of Juneteenth festivities kick off in the city.

Juneteenth celebrates the day all enslaved people in the United States became free in 1865. Although President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, slavery remained upheld in Confederate territory. More than two years later, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, bringing news of emancipation to the last large population of enslaved people in the U.S.

Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, but African American communities have a long history of Juneteenth celebrations dating back to the 19th century.

Kanise Wiggins, the interim civic center director, said this year’s jubilee will showcase local artists, performers and community leaders on its biggest stage yet in Columbus.

“For the past five years, Juneteenth Jubilee has served as a platform to celebrate Black culture, honor our history, empower our youth and bring community together through meaningful experiences,” Wiggins said. “This year’s celebration will be bigger and more impactful and more inspiring than ever before.”

The Columbus festivities will feature a parade the night before Juneteenth, filling the streets of Uptown Columbus with lights and music. On June 20, the Juneteenth Jubilee will take over the Columbus Civic Center Amphitheater with food trucks, local vendors and live entertainment.

Yesterday Today Forever, a film which sets the biblical story of Peter the Apostle after Jesus Christ’s death in modern day, will premier at the Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts on June 13 with a panel discussion to follow. Columbus resident Ty Manns directed the film, and local actors are part of the film’s cast.

On June 19, Pierce Chapel Church will host a family-friendly event called “Carrying the Journey: Juneteenth and America’s Living Heritage at 250.” At the press conference, Yolanda Arnold said the event will feature musical performances, stories about African American soldiers and their families and “cultural presentations that honor the journey from the Emancipation Proclamation to the present day.”

“This inspiring program will bring our history to life through music, and you know no one can play music or perform music like we can,” Arnold said.

Springer Opera House will open its doors on June 20-21 for a musical tribute to acclaimed soul singer James Brown. Singer Sterling Baker-McClary gave a sneak peek of what audiences can expect later this month at the press conference, belting out “I Got You (I Feel Good)” for the crowd.

Keith McCoy, Springer Opera House’s artistic director, said Columbus is a city “rich in legacy, culture and community pride,” which the jubilee will commemorate throughout June.

“Juneteenth is more than a holiday,” McCoy said. “It is a remembrance of liberation, a recognition of Black excellence and a time for education, reflection and joy.”

Juneteenth events in Columbus

Yesterday Today Forever Screening

• Where: Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts
• When: June 13 at 3 p.m.
• Cost: $17.85 for a general admission ticket

Job Fair

• Where: Columbus Civic Center
• When: June 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Cost: Free

Historic Bike Ride

• Where: Starts at Woodruff Park
• When: June 17 at 6 p.m.
• Cost: Free

Juneteenth Night Parade

• Where: Uptown Columbus on Broadway Street
• When: June 18 at 8 p.m.
• Cost: Free

Carrying the Journey Forward: Juneteenth and America’s Living Heritage at 250

• Where: Pierce Chapel Methodist Church
• When: June 19 from 11 a.m to 12 p.m.
• Cost: Free

Juneteenth Western Dinner and Dance

• Where: Columbus Convention & Trade Center
• When: June 19 at 8 p.m.
• Cost: $85

Chair One Fitness Class

• Where: Columbus Civic Center Hospitality Suites
• When: June 20 at 10 a.m.
• Cost: Free

Juneteenth Jubilee

• Where: Columbus Civic Center Amphitheater
• When: June 20 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Cost: Free

Columbus Lions Football Game

• Where: Columbus Civic Center
• When: June 20 at 7 p.m.
• Cost: Tickets start at $14.05

I Feel Good: A Homage to James Brown

• Where: Springer Opera House
• When: June 20 at 7 p.m. and June 21 at 2 p.m.
• Cost: Tickets range from $30 to $50

Harris County Juneteenth celebrations

Harris County will also host a community celebration for Juneteenth at the Harris County Community Center in Hamilton, Georgia. The event features a cultural showcase with speakers, musical performances and historical demonstrations.

There will also be a silent auction including original African artwork. All auction proceeds will be donated to the Harris County BackSnacks Program, which helps fight food insecurity among children in the community.

• Where: Harris County Community Center
• When: June 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Cost: Free