The holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. has seen much growth since its declaration as a national holiday in 2021, and there are several celebrations in Athens open to the community. The first Athens Juneteenth Celebration, organized by the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement, will take place downtown at College Square on Saturday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. The celebration begins with a Juneteenth Flag raising at City Hall. Guest speakers include Rev. Daryl Bloodsaw, Hattie Thomas Whitehead, Linda Davis and Mikhayla Robinson-Smith. The block party will feature live music and performances, food trucks, local vendors, educational resources, a fashion show and more. There will also be two teen pageants empowering young women with confidence, self-esteem and an appreciation of inner beauty. The inaugural Miss Black Northeast Georgia Teen Pageant will take place at the Oconee County Civic Center from 4–8 p.m. with $25 admission. Then the inaugural Miss Juneteenth Pageant will take place at the Morton Theatre from 5–8 p.m. with $25 admission. The weekend following Juneteenth the West Broad Farmers Market will host a Juneteenth Cookout on Saturday, June 22 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. In addition to the market’s usual vendors, there will be games, music, poetry, an art auction and guest speakers.
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