BRAVE is inviting the community to celebrate Juneteenth at Wooster Green in Bowling Green on Saturday, June 18, from 2 to 8 p.m. There will be music, poetry, food and games for all ages to enjoy.
Though a portion of Grove Street will be closed, more parking will be available at the Senior Center.
Some of the activities will include face painting, flag making, and a 40-foot bouncy house, in addition to other yard games. There will also be a 360-degree camera photo opportunity set up in the gazebo.
Eventgoers can participate in a community art project as a result of a partnership with BGSU. The GreenMile Grille will be returning with its food truck again this year, along with Big Mealz on Wheelz.
At least 15 Black businesses will be showcased during the Juneteenth Celebration. The community is invited to support Black business by shopping from these merchants. The League of Women Voters will be present to register voters and update registration. The Cocoon, La Conexion, Brookside Church, BGSU, and PNC Bank will also have tents at the event.
Entertainment will be provided by Mike Williams on Sax, a Poetry Hour with Jay Davis, Davion Desean, Poetess, the Toledo Opera, King Justo, N’Shai Iman, Boom the Bomb, Dr. Mark Lomax, UT Tribe, TreVor, and Nikki D. Freddie and Freida Falcon will also be making an appearance.
The video “Hidden Colors” will be premiered as well. This partnership between MadHouse Creative Toledo and Artist Merce Culp features several community members of color that are thriving inside predominantly white spaces.
BRAVE would like to thank its sponsors for supporting Juneteenth. Gold Level sponsors are: BGSU College of Technology, Architecture & Applied Engineering; BGSU Honors Learning Community; and MadHouse Creative Toledo. Silver Level Sponsors include: BGSU Honors College; BGSU Office of the President, Rodney Rogers; BGSU College of Education & Human Development; BGSU Academic & Student Affairs; and BGSU Libraries. The Bowling Green Human Relations Commission, BGSU Dean’s Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion; Lucy B’s Gluten Free, For Keeps, and BGSU College of Musical Arts also supported this event.
BRAVE (Black Rights, Activism, Visibility, and Equity) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, with the mission to combat the oppression of Black Americans by opening channels to resources, education, and opportunities through economic empowerment, community development, and civic engagement. BRAVE also strives to create inclusive environments where Black people can freely embrace their culture as well as their identities.
