Juneteenth Celebration African American Cultural Garden 890 Martin Luther King Drive - Cleveland June 19, 2026
The African American Cultural Garden in Cleveland Ohio hosted their annual Juneteenth celebration on Friday June 19, 2026 and hundreds celebrated the day. There was music, food, resources, games, a talent show and fun for all.
Garden Director Obie Shelton served as MC and many people spoke and were recognized. Note: As always, we reduced the resolution of the photos for speedy web loading so if you want high-resolution copies, let us know.
Obie Shelton
Kwanza Brewer led a Libation Ceremony to honor the ancestors.
Libation Ceremony - Kwanza Brewer
Obie Shelton honoring a Youth Ambassador
Cleveland City Councilman Kevin Conwell gave his remarks.
Councilman Kevin Conwell
Then 16 year old JaChara Taylor led the singing of Lift Every Voice and Sing.
Garden Past-President Carl Ewing then spoke and presented awards to Cuyahoga County Council members Pernell Jones, Meredith Turner and Yvonne Conwell.
Carl Ewing
Pernell Jones, Laveta Ewing, Meredith Turner, Yvonne Conwell and Carl Ewing
Obie Shelton, Pernell Jones, Laveta Ewing, Meredith Turner, Yvonne Conwell and Carl Ewing
The day continued with the talent show, music by the Footprints band and a lot more. Watch a video of the above.
Here are a few more images from the event.
Children's Village
Juneteenth Trivia
Kevin Conwell and Footprints
African American Cultural Garden Volunteers
Obie Shelton and Barbara Danforth
Talent Show
Pernell Jones and Kevin Conwell. Meredith Turner and Yvonne Conwell
Cultural Garden leaders Wael Khoury, Tom Turkaly and Qaisra Haider
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