Location: Ohio Village, 800 East 17^th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211

Tell me about the event.

The Jubilee Day Festival. It is in honor of Juneteenth. We are in the Ohio Village. We are depicting a Jubilee Day observation in the 1890s what it would be like. We have some visiting characters that had connections with Ohio back in the day. James Preston Poindexter, Edomia Lewis is an international sculptor, Paul Lawrence Dunbar and some other folks. We will have poetry, song, and dance. It is all about sharing our narratives. The history of Juneteenth, what it is about and why we are celebrating it. We are looking at 25 to 30 years later. What would it look like in an Ohio town for folks to observe that day? It is important to tell the story of these characters. They were actual folks that were fighting for freedom. I feel it is important to tell their story. It gives this history authenticity.

Games on the green:

Church service:

Is there anything that I didn’t ask you that you think I should have asked you? If so, go ahead and answer that question.

I want to make sure that everybody has access. The program is free; but, there is an admission fee to get into the space. There is a program called “museums for all.” People can go to that website, www.museums4all.org. They have free or reduced priced admission. Depending on the location, you can go to the museum and ask for the museums for all discount or their website. The admission will be $1 per person for up to 8 people.

Sidebar: Since I believe in supporting the arts financially. I probably will not take advantage of the “museums for all” discount. But for those on a strict budget, that sounds like the price is right!

My Take on the Jubilee Day Festival 2022:

A lot of good information. I knew E.E. Ward Moving and Storage Company started in Ohio; but, I had no idea how long ago they started in Ohio. I was impressed with how the actor who portrayed Paul Lawrence Dunbar presented. The church celebration was a reminder of how the African American church is the center of history and black culture. Specifically, Valerie Boyer, “sang” the congregational song to the point where I forgot we were at the Ohio Village and started “having church.” They told her to close out the program and she closed with this:

Jude 1:24-25

²⁴ Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

²⁵ To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

I love when people are enjoying life, in their sphere of influence and can represent the things of God when appropriate. That blessed me!