City of Austell to host first Juneteenth Celebration

The first Juneteenth celebration in the history of the city of Austell will take place this year on June 17. 

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas finally received the news that they were freed. 

“I’m excited that Juneteenth is being recognized as a national holiday,” said Austell Mayor Ollie Clemons. “I’m even more excited that we’re having our inaugural event here in the City of Austell marking and celebrating the recognition of Juneteenth.”

In 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday. Many cities, including Austell, are creating their celebratory events as a result. 

The celebration, which will be held at Legion Park, 5514 Austell-Powder Springs Road in Austell, will include a festival and a parade. 

The festivities will commence with a parade at 11:15 a.m. in downtown Austell which will travel up Austell-Powder Springs Road to the park where the festival is being held. 

Admission is free and the public is invited to attend and join in the festivities that will include stilt walkers, African drummers, story tellers, live music, a game truck, face painters, food trucks, arts & crafts vendors, and more.For more information on Austell’s Juneteenth Celebrations, visit austelljuneteenth.com or call 404-954-2576.