In honor of the relatively newly established federal holiday, the Athens-Clarke County government has organized and funded a community-wide 19 Days of Juneteenth celebration for the first time. The holiday commemorates the end of slavery and the freedom of African Americans in the United States; however, it is also internationally recognized as a day to honor their education, culture and achievements. As part of this celebration, Hattie Thomas Whitehead will be leading two in-person discussions about her book Giving Voice to Linnentown. This first-hand account explores the “urban renewal” erasure of the community of Linnentown, which was razed in the 1960s to make way for UGA’s Baxter Street dorms. At the event, books will be distributed to attendees with time for everyone to read ahead of the discussion. Whitehead will also discuss her book at the ACC Library June 11 and Cedar Shoals High School on June 18 at 2 p.m. each day. Other highlights to come include The James Weismann Quartet jazz performance at Ebenezer Baptist Church West on June 12, a tour of Morton Theatre on June 16 and a screening of Harriet on the lawn at Lyndon House Arts Center on June 17. For the full schedule of events and more information, visit accgov.com/9984/Juneteenth.
WHO: Hattie Thomas Whitehead
WHEN: Wednesday, June 8 and Tuesday, June 14, 2 p.m.
WHERE: Boys and Girls Club
HOW MUCH: FREE!
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