Honoring Freedom and Culture: Athens Juneteenth Celebrations to Uplift Black History, Art, and Community

Description

Athens, GA — The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) proudly invites the community to celebrate Juneteenth with two impactful events that honor Black heritage, resilience, and the ongoing fight for justice. This year’s celebration will feature a symbolic flag-raising ceremony and a powerful community festival filled with music, art, education, and performances from local and nationally recognized talent.

Athens Juneteenth Music and Art Festival
Outside Athens City Hall (Intersection of College & Washington Street)
Thursday, June 19, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Outside Athens City Hall – 301 College Ave. (Intersection of College & Washington Street)
Hosted by the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement

Celebrate Juneteenth—the oldest nationally recognized commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States—with an afternoon of culture, connection, and community pride. The festival combines creative expression, history, and interactive engagement to honor the strength and beauty of the Black experience.
Festival Highlights Include:
Featured Guests & Performers:
Michael Thruman – Powerful speaker and the Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb County and as a representative in the Georgia Assembly. 
Poet Mikhayla Robinson – Local literary talent and host of the intergenerational storytelling session reflecting on Athens' Day of Jubilee.
Artist Breanna Jackson – Leading a public art mural session inviting community participation to create a piece inspired by freedom and resilience.
Pastor Troy – Southern hip hop legend and cultural icon, bringing an unforgettable performance to close the festival.
And many more local artists, performers, and creatives!

Cultural Marketplace
Support local Black-owned businesses, browse handmade goods, sample delicious food, and connect with cultural vendors and nonprofit organizations.

Youth & Family Zone
Fun and engaging activities for the whole family, including sack races, double-dutch, inflatables, and interactive educational games.

3:00 PM – Storytelling & Community Conversation
Hosted by Poet Mikhayla Robinson and Linda Davis, this powerful session features intergenerational dialogue exploring the significance of Athens’ Day of Jubilee and the broader African American journey.

3:30 PM – Painting Freedom: A Public Art Session
Join artist Breanna Jackson in a collaborative mural painting experience. All ages and skill levels are welcome to contribute to this expression of liberation and cultural pride.

4:30 PM – Afro Dance Party
Move your body to Afrobeat, traditional African dance, and classic line dances in a high-energy celebration of rhythm and unity.

5:30 – 7:00 PM – Live Performances
The day concludes with a dynamic lineup of music, spoken word, and dance performances—including a special headline performance by Pastor Troy—celebrating Black culture, strength, and creativity.

Join Us in Honoring Freedom and Culture!
This event is free, family-friendly, and open to all. Come out and experience a powerful celebration of Black excellence, historical remembrance, and community resilience.
For full details,
visit: https://www.aadmovement.org/athensjuneteenth2025/. Contact Mokah Jasmine Johnson at jasminejohnsonedu@gmail.com for media interviews or more information.
Follow AADM IG @aadmovement706 on social media for the latest updates and volunteer opportunities.