(Saturday, June 19) An annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S., Juneteenth is a day of reflection and celebration of African-American freedom, history and culture. The West Broad Farmers Market’s annual Juneteenth tradition returns with performances by The Golden Beets, DK, Miriam Robinson and BlackNerdNinja. In addition to the market’s typical array of vendors selling fresh produce, bath and body products, prepared foods and crafts, St. Mary’s Hospital will offer free health screenings, and the Clarke County Health Department will host a mobile clinic to distribute Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The market will be held 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and is located at 300 S. Rocksprings Street.
A few miles away in East Athens, Juneteenth on the Block will feature more vendors, food, a Stop the Violence March and other family-friendly activities. Headlined by Cassie Chantel, the lineup includes Pastor Eric Burgess, The Arsonist, Ashlyn Mundell, Mokah & Foreign, Nony1, TechDaDon and DJ Yemani. Held from 4–8 p.m. at 585 Vine St., the block party is presented by Farm to Neighborhood, a nonprofit launched by Rashe Malcolm of Rashe’s Cuisine that works to distribute nutritious and affordable meals to limited-income Athenians.
Over at the Rolling Ridge Apartments from 6–10 p.m., a second annual celebration will feature multiple vendors, DJs Tony Bradford and Andy Clark, music by Jasmine Desiree, spoken word by Shad Barnett and a keynote speech by former NFL star Dunta Robinson. Fireworks will light up the sky after sundown.
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