The Tubman Museum in Macon, GA, took center stage during the 2024 Juneteenth celebrations, with many events and activities being held to commemorate this historic event. Juneteenth has been celebrated every year on June 19th, bringing into effect the end of slavery in the United States. This year, in 2021, when it was declared a federal holiday, the Tubman Museum granted free admission from June 18th to June 22nd, and visitors strolled through the museum exhibits and went to particular programs. A gem was the launching of the refurbished exhibit “Untold Stories: Macon’s African American History,” which takes the storyline from slavery to the civil rights era to today in telling the story of African Americans in Middle Georgia. The exhibit features new artifacts and narratives focused on local heroes, historical events, and significant contributions by the African American community. Festivities also included the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Parade. Originating at the Tubman Museum with colorful floats, marching bands, and dance troupes, the parade had a particular emphasis on honoring the contributions of black women and girls in the community. Grand Marshals are Zelma Redding and Karla Redding-Andrews. The event also featured a museum-community cookout, again organized by Macon Black Culture, which included a block party of cultural celebrations and a fireworks show. This event centered on issues of community and cultural preservation. The museum had made available, throughout the week, educational and cultural activities that included historical reenactments, film screenings, and interactive exhibits, amongst others, in a manner where all members could share, discuss, honor, and reflect on the African American legacy handed over through the ages.
Key Articles Covering the Events:
1. Juneteenth Parade to Make Way Throughout Downtown Sunday
Date: June 14, 2024
This year’s 2nd Annual Juneteenth Parade in Macon, presented by Macon Black Culture in partnership with Macon-Bibb County, featured colorful floats, marching bands, dance troupes, and countless community organizations. The parade began at the Tubman African American Museum. It celebrated the contributions of black women and girls, with Grand Marshals Zelma Redding and Karla Redding-Andrews leading the way.
2. Central Georgia Celebrates Juneteenth with Local Exhibits, Events
Date: June 19, 2024
Many Juneteenth celebrations around Central Georgia, including the Tubman Museum’s exhibit open through June 22, are happening to help educate the public about African American history and culture.
3. Macon Community Cookout Hosted in Honor of Juneteenth
Date: June 19, 2024
Hosted by Greenwood Barbecue, the community cookout is the climax for Juneteenth celebrations. Put together by Macon Black Culture, this event had a block party with cultural celebrations and a firework show, fostering the importance of the community and cultural preservation.
4. Macon’s 32nd Juneteenth Events Salute ‘Black Girl Magic’ and Native American Parallels
Date: June 14, 2024
The city of Macon’s week-long Juneteenth festivities included the Juneteenth Parade and Freedom Festival at Tattnall Square Park. The extensive events celebrated and honored African American culture and history but also paid tribute to “Black Girl Magic” and Native American parallels. Highlighted were different activities incorporating historical exhibits, cultural arts, and live music performances.
5. Tubman Museum Unveils New Juneteenth Exhibit
Date: June 18, 2024
The new Juneteenth exhibition at the Tubman Museum, dubbed “Untold Stories: Macon’s African American History,” seeks to tell a different, unique story about the history of the African American population in Middle Georgia, starting from slavery through the civil rights period to date. Among the artifacts to be displayed will be memorabilia on the life of prominent figures like Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice. These articles outline the occurrences of Juneteenth happenings, specifically in Macon, GA, and at the Tubman Museum.