On Friday, June 19, 2026, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center transformed Freedom Way into a jubilant celebration of true independence. With a dynamic lineup of programming that brought the community together, the Freedom Center welcomed a record 4,100 visitors.
The day started with Opal's Walk for Freedom, a new addition this year. More than 100 participants walked 2.5 miles, symbolizing the 2.5 years between the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and June 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to issue General Orders No. 3, which freed more than 250,000 enslaved people. Cincinnati was the first and only city in Ohio to host the walk, which was marshaled by Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus.
After the walk, the visitors could enjoy the outdoor Community Market or enjoy free admission to the museum. Performances and entertainment included Skate Downtown Cincy, DJ Arie, 2nd Wind Band, Ijo Ugo African Drumming, DJ Vader and a panel discussion featuring members of The Lion King cast. Community partners also tabled throughout the building and Hoxworth Blood Center collected blood donations totaling to 69 potential lives saved.
We are grateful to everyone who spent their day with us — the Community Partners, performers, Community Market Vendors, food trucks, families, church groups, friends and more. We are also grateful to the many community partners, volunteers, staff and supporters who tabled throughout the building, assisted guests, read to children, greeted visitors in our John Parker Library or contributed to Hoxworth’s 23 unit donations.