Get ready for the 25th annual Ohio Freedom Festival.

Starting on June 19 and running through Sunday, June 21, enjoy three days of music, food and family fun.  Referred to as "JuneteenthOhio", this title represents June 19, 1865, considered the date when the last captives in America were freed, almost 2 years after Pres. Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

"Junteenth"  Is celebrated annually between June 13 and the 19th in more than 250 cities across the nation. Some cities sponsor weeklong celebrations beginning or ending on June 19. The goal is to celebrate the end of captivity. It has come to symbolize for many African-Americans with the Fourth of July symbolizes for all Americans. This freedom for all movement serves as a historical milestone reminding Americans of the strength of the human spirit which one over the cruelty of captivity.

 The Ohio Freedom Festival is a three-day concert series, but it also promotes college, career and health with vendors, small businesses and exhibitors. The festival offers free health screenings, testing and Obama care enrollment. On Saturday, June 20 at the Genoa Park, get ready for the 2015 Unity Walk for Wellness. This seventh annual walk celebrates health and well-being and employees, employers, civic groups, walking clubs and churches are all invited to participate. The walk will include 3 miles around the park to shape up the mind, body and spirit. The walk recruits walkers in young and old all around the city to participate in this urban initiative to mobilize the community and take action in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The 2015 college and career fair runs all weekend long from noon until 5:00 PM. The event recruits college and career programs to take part in the sixth annual fair during the celebration. It helps African-Americans and minority students who may be undecided about what they want to do in the next phase of life after graduation. Exhibitors include Peace Corp, Everest College, Youth Build, UPS, Buckeye Ranch, Mary Haven and Isabelle Ridgeway.

 The amazing concerts and music shows kick off at 11:45 AM on June 19th.  Enjoy Grammy award winner Maxi Priest,  IPD,  and Lioness , just to name a few. There will be exhibitors, vendors, restaurants, fabulous food and merchandise all three days. Put this event on your calendar and we hope to see you there. Image by Rashida S and Mar B Flickr

Stay tuned to my blog fore more information about the Columbus area, events and things to do.