Perry to celebrate annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Festival this Saturday

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An artwork with the letters "Juneteenth" written in white letters. Below are black figures running in opposite directions. — This year, the event will include an art exhibit created by Columbus artist Davian Chester. There will also be a raffle featuring his prints like pictured above. (Courtesy: City of Perry)

PERRY – Experience art, support local Black-owned businesses and celebrate Juneteenth at Rozar Park on Saturday, June 14, from noon to 3 p.m.

Juneteenth is typically celebrated on June 19, but the city is celebrating early this year. It was designated a federal holiday in 2021 to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States.

The fourth annual event will bring live performances by the Dubshak Reggae Band outside the park’s pavilion. Other performances include praise dances, worship songs and poem readings.

There will be both vendors outside and inside the James E. Worrall Community Center. Outside, food trucks and beverage vendors will be present, while inside, retail vendors and an art exhibit will be featured, a new addition to the Juneteenth Freedom Day Festival.

The art exhibit was created by Columbus artist Davian Chester, also known as the “Juneteenth Guy.” Special Events Administrator Autumn Cameron shared that this is because Chester challenged Google a few years ago for not having a Juneteenth-themed logo for the holiday. Now, the website has a Juneteenth logo, thanks to Chester’s outspokenness.

An artwork split in half symbolizing past and present struggles the black community has overcome. — Davian Chester’s art illustrates both past and current issues the Black community faces. (Courtesy: City of Perry)

He is also known as the creator of Real Toons, which raises awareness about stereotypes and biases within the Black community. At the event, a raffle will be held featuring five prints from Chester. He also created coloring pages for children to complete during the event.

Cameron has helped put together the event for the past two years. Last year, Juneteenth was held at the Perry Events Center, but it was realized the event had outgrown the facility. Cameron said they decided to move the event to Rozar Park to allow more space.

Cameron has noticed an increase in public engagement this year, with people asking questions about the event and seeking more information. She anticipates they will have good attendance this year.

The event began with Council Member Phyllis Bynum Grace, who also spearheaded the Black History Month banners. The Juneteenth Freedom Day Festival is now a beloved tradition in the city.

Cameron believes it is essential to remember where ancestors came from and all they have overcome, and she shared that the event is a great way to support Black-owned businesses.

“It’s a powerful reminder of resilience and hope,” she said.

The majority of the event will be indoors due to both heat advisories and inclement weather. The celebration will continue as planned even if there is rain this weekend.

The Juneteenth Freedom Day Festival will take place Saturday, June 14, from noon to 3:00 p.m. at Rozar Park, located at 1060 Keith Drive.

To learn more about artist Davian Chester and view his artwork, visit his website.