Juneteenth 2024 at the African American Cultural Garden

By Obie Shelton

The heat was on, but the rain held off as more than 200 people visited the African American Cultural Garden to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday. 

“This is what it’s all about—community,” said organizer Beverly Lloyd. 

Martin Luther King Boulevard was closed off between Superior and St. Clair from noon until 4 p.m. to give full access to the celebration as the temperature soared to 90 degrees.

Live music was provided by the band Loladé. The band features David Clark, Jerrell White, Sha’Nyla Curry, and Lolade’ Mccants. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers sponsored a talent show competition of young people performing songs, dance, and spoken word. Cash prizes were given to winners. A dramatic presentation reenacted the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed by a Union soldier that slavery had ended in the U.S.

Free food was served in the tradition of Juneteenth. Barbecued chicken, Jollof rice along with red beans and rice were served with watermelon and hibiscus red tea. The red-colored food is recognized as symbolizing the bloody struggle, sacrifice, and resilience of enslaved Africans in America. Vendors sold African-themed clothing and artifacts while books were given away to children who listened to storytellers.

The Cultural Garden’s executive director Obie Shelton urged those in attendance to spread the word about the importance of raising the rest of the money to complete the garden. “We can each contribute,” he said. “It’s not about waiting for someone else to do it for us.” 

The garden’s fundraising campaign has secured almost half of the $4 million needed to complete the dramatic granite and sandstone design that will stretch down the hill from Wheelock Avenue to Martin Luther King Boulevard. “Let’s finish it,” Shelton said.

The African American Garden site was dedicated in 1977. The completed African American Cultural garden will convey the journey of the African American community from the past through the present and into the future.