Oberlin and Juneteenth
June 19, 2022
Photo of Reverend Betty Howard of Rust United Methodist Church singing at the dedication of the Underground Railroad monument at Westwood Cemetery, 1993
Celebrations supporting the rights of black people have been central to the Oberlin community since its founding.
In January 1849, the Black Laws of 1807 discouraging the migration of black people to Ohio were largely repealed. These laws included requiring black people to have proof that they were indeed free and needed two people to guarantee a surety of $500 that they would maintain good behavior. Dr. Norton S. Townsend, a trustee of Oberlin College was instrumental in assisting in the repeal of these laws. A celebration of songs was held in February 1849 commemorating the repeals.
In the summer of 1992, the Oberlin community began celebrating the history of its black residents, in conjunction with the existing Oberlin Heritage Days festival, organized by Adenike Sharpley, former artist-in-residence and director of the Dance Diaspora at Oberlin College. In 1995, the festival added the official Juneteenth celebration. Oberlin’s history of abolitionism, its role in the Underground Railroad, and its promise of freedom for all make it a city significant to the Juneteenth holiday.
On June 8, 2004, the Oberlin City Council passed a resolution that Juneteenth be recognized as an official day of commemoration and celebration, and Juneteenth Oberlin was incorporated.
Every year, Juneteenth is celebrated with many events throughout Oberlin. The Emancipation Proclamation is read, artwork is displayed, prayers and picnics are held, educational activities are available for children and families, and remembrances for the enslaved and those who traveled on the Underground Railroad are held at Westwood Cemetery.