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Mark your calendars and make plans to head to historic Oakland Cemetery on June 15 for a FREE Juneteenth celebration for the whole family!“There is in this world no such force as the force of a person determined to rise. The human soul cannot be permanently chained.” —W.E.B. Dubois
Residents in Oakland’s historic African American Burial Grounds purposely laid the groundwork for a thriving, self-reliant community and are responsible for some of the most important and prestigious institutions and organizations in the nation.
These pioneers in the Black community were resilient and succeeded in creating a sense of pride and culture that helped make Atlanta the leading city it is today.
The event will feature:
- Live Music
- Food Vendors
- Children’s Storytelling
- Free Tours
- Vendor Market
- Libations Ceremony
& More!
Schedule of Events:
Tours
Tours are free but you’ll need to sign up to save your spot. Tour signups will be available soon.
This Reconstruction Era tour of the African American Burial Grounds includes the stories of African Americans who reconstructed their lives after emancipation and went on to shape Atlanta’s rich legacy of African American culture and achievement. You’ll hear from actors portraying several residents as they share their stories and journey as they navigated new times. Each tour lasts approximately 40 minutes.
10:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m
Noon
12:30 p.m.
1 p.m.
Libation Ceremony and Performance: 10 a.m.
The Big Bethel AME Heaven Bound Choir will perform a libation ceremony at the Cemetery’s historic African American Burial Grounds at 10 a.m. followed by a short performance. A libations ceremony is a pouring as a way to honor one’s ancestors.
Storytelling: 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
Storyteller LaDoris Davis will present Gullah Geechee tales for all ages.
Live Music by Veronika Jackson: 9:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., noon & 12:30 p.m.
Veronika Jackson is a singer/songwriter whose compelling music draws inspiration from both blues heritage and the 1960s folk music movement.
History of Black Gardens Talk: 12:00 p.m.
Join Oakland’s director of horticulture, Abra Lee, at noon to learn about heirloom plants significant in Black gardens. Location TBD.
Happening Throughout the Day:
- DJ
- Vendor Market
- Arts & Crafts
- Snacks for Kids
- Food Truck
- African American Burial Grounds Cell Phone Tour
Vendor Market applications are open! Apply here: https://bit.ly/4agvh9e
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA, United States, Georgia 30312
