CINCINNATI – The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center will transform Freedom Way into a jubilant celebration of true independence on Friday, June 19, through a dynamic lineup of programming that brings the community together.
Community members at the 2025 Juneteenth Jubilee.
“Juneteenth is a day of jubilation – from those who were enslaved and learned they were finally free in June 1965 to all people who are working towards collective liberation today,” said Woodrow Keown, Jr., president and COO of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. “The Freedom Center is proud to provide the space and platform for us to not only celebrate and learn how we can activate inclusive freedom every day.”
From a morning walk that brings the community together to a special appearance by cast members of Disney’s The Lion King, the third annual Juneteenth Jubilee offers something for everyone. View more below to help plan your day.
Opal’s Walk for Freedom
New this year to start the day’s festivities is the 2026 National Opal’s Walk for Freedom, which kicks off at 10 a.m. in front of the Freedom Center. Participants walk 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.
Dr. Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth
Organized by Texas-based non-profit Unity Unlimited, Inc., the walk is inspired by Dr. Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” who, at age 89, walked more than 1,400 miles from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. advocating for Juneteenth to be recognized as a federal holiday.
Cincinnati is the first and only city in Ohio to host the walk, which will be marshaled by Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus, making it a unique opportunity for the community to start their day with movement and an action that takes place across the country.
Registration for the walk is still open on RaceRoster. Day-of walk-up registration will also be available.
Activations and Performances
Starting at 11 a.m., Freedom Way will come alive with live entertainment, a community market, food trucks and games.
DJ Vader at the 2025 Juneteenth Jubilee.
Community members can also give back through the Juneteenth Blood Drive with Hoxworth Blood Center. Games will be spread out throughout the block and live entertainment from DJ Vader and 2nd Wind Band will keep the party going until 5 p.m.
Inside the museum, visitors can engage with exhibits and pop-up programming centered on the theme, “What does Afrofuturism mean to you?” The museum opens at 12 and will have free admission, thanks to the Fifth Third Foundation.
Docents and knowledge stations will be in designated exhibits for interpretation and continued learning. The Gaskins Foundation, Black Lit and Indigo Hippo will lead small activations and visitors can catch two performances of theatrical and African dance and drumming company Ijo Ugo. A special feature of the day will be a live panel discussion with cast members of Disney’s The Lion King, which is showing at the Aronoff June 10-July 5, followed by screenings of “Space is the Place” and “Afrofantastic.”
Special Feature: The Lion King Panel Discussion
Newly added to this year’s Juneteenth lineup is a special panel discussion featuring cast members from Disney’s The Lion King, which runs at the Aronoff Center from June 10 through July 5 as part of the Cincinnati Arts Association’s Broadway in Cincinnati series.
This unique conversation will explore the power of storytelling, representation and cultural legacy through one of the most celebrated productions in theatrical history. Panelists will share insights from their experiences in the production and reflect on themes that resonate deeply with Juneteenth. Panelists include:
- Kyle Inskeep, moderator (Local12 anchor)
- Thembelihle Cele (Nala)
- Gilbert Domally (Simba)
- Monique Midgette (Resident Director)
- Jose Solivan (Company Manager)
- Jennifer Theriot (Sarabi)
The Lion King panelists, from left to right: Inskeep, moderator; Cele, Nala; Domally, Simba; Midgette, Resident Director; Solivan, Company Manager; Theriot, Sarabi.
Approaching 30 landmark years on Broadway, The Lion King is one of the most popular stage musicals of all time. Since its premiere on November 13, 1997, this Disney Theatrical Group production has been seen by more than 124 million people worldwide. The Freedom Center is thrilled to welcome some of the cast and production team into our space to interact with the community about their respective crafts and reflect on the significance of Juneteenth.
