Otsego County, New York Celebrates Juneteenth

Today is Juneteenth, and there are many ways to celebrate the day around Otsego County. According to the National Museum of African American History & Culture, part of the Smithsonian "In 2021, Juneteenth was established as a federal holiday, opening it to symbolic and global interpretation and providing a better understanding of the evolution of our nation and its people. Juneteenth celebrations then, like now, recognize the ongoing fight for human rights and equality and are commemorated through family cookouts, faith services, musical performances and storytelling. Today, Juneteenth celebrates African American resilience and achievement while aiding in the preservation of those historical narratives that promoted racial and personal advancement since Freedom Day."

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Cooperstown

Cooperstown, New York's Juneteenth celebration will be held at the First Presbyterian Church at the corner of Pioneer and Church Streets beginning at noon. The event will feature music, poetry, personal testimony, history, and activities for the kids.

Featured speakers and performers include: Rev. LaDana Clark AKA LADYJAM, Rev. Mike Coles, Dr. Sheena Mason and performances by Amanda Sheriff and King Konye. Light refreshments will be served.

The celebration recognizes the national holiday's connection to local history, as African Americans from Cooperstown and the surrounding areas celebrated the end of slavery in New York via a Emancipation Celebration at the Presbyterian meeting house on July 4, 1867. A memorial marker on the church's front lawn commemorates the day.

Oneonta

A Juneteenth celebration will take place today starting at 4:30pm in Muller Plaza. The event's MC will be Rev. LaDana Clark AKA LADYJAM. Speakers include Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek and Dr. Sheena Mason. Performances by King Konye, M.E.B Records artists, Litty GZ (Utica), and Cabral Gunter.

Food will be available from Junior's Jerk Hut. Cabral’s Caribbean Store and Black Eagle Records will be featured vendors.

Oneonta Juneteenth Festival

The Oneonta Juneteenth Festival returns to Oneonta's Neahwa Park on Saturday, June 22nd and runs noon to 5pm. The family friendly festival's offerings include a picnic, music, art, games and more. For more information, visit their website.