Celebrate Juneteenth with Paloozanoire's Fourth-Annual Juneteenth Block Party

36th Annual Cincinnati Juneteenth Festival Noon-9 p.m. June 17; 2-6 p.m. June 18 Come commemorate the emancipation of Black slaves in the United States at the 36th Annual Cincinnati Juneteenth Festival. The festival begins at noon with a parade of flags that represent the African diaspora, and then continues into the afternoon with activities for all ages. Book reading, crafts, games and horseback rides will be available for kids, while over 25 performances on two stages will reflect shared African heritage that adults can enjoy. R&B, jazz, blues, African dancing, Latin jazz and the Voices of Freedom poetry slam will be performed. Vendors, art and food will also be present. Noon-9 p.m. June 17; 2-6 p.m. June 18. Eden Park, 950 Eden Park Dr., Mt. Adams, juneteenthcincinnati.org. Photo: Shutterstock

An organization that enhances and supports the lives of Midwestern Black professionals is throwing its fourth-annual Juneteenth celebration at The Banks.

Paloozanoire was founded in 2019 and focuses on elevating the lives of Black artists, corporate leaders and entrepreneurs. It produces two major events per year, The Black & Brown Faces Art Exhibition and the upcoming Juneteenth Block Party Experience.

In partnership with Fifth Third Bank and the Cincinnati Reds, The Banks will host Paloozanoire’s Juneteenth Block Party on June 17 from 4-11 p.m. The event aims to unite the community in the name of promoting diversity and inclusion and commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.

“We are thrilled to be returning to The Banks for the third year in a row,” Raven Fulton, the event’s co-director, said in a press release. “We are grateful that as this event grows to be a staple celebration in Cincinnati, the attending community and the community partners grow along with it! Thank you all for believing in this idea from the beginning and let’s make this the best Juneteenth Block Party yet.”

Paloozanoire promises a day of fun balanced with a mix of entertainment and education. While there are milestones and progress to be recognized surrounding diversity and inclusion, the event will provide a platform that facilitates conversations about work that still needs to be done.

Programming includes a family zone, food truck zone, artist zone and an entrepreneurial networking zone for Black women, along with community-centric activities throughout. Carnival performers, DJs, live musical acts and Cincinnati Reds mascots will also join the festivities.

“All are welcome to celebrate with us as we aim to cater to a wide range of individuals and families,” Paloozanoire’s website says of the event.

Paloozanoire’s Juneteenth Block Party will take place June 17 from 4-11 p.m. at The Banks, 150 E. Freedom Way. For more information, visit paloozanoire.com.

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