Ogden Art Scene: Juneteenth Celebrations
Juneteenth celebrations are already underway, and thanks to the legendary and tireless Betty Sawyer, president of the Ogden NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), it’s now a state and federal holiday.
For 33 years, it was Sawyer’s mission to increase the importance of Juneteenth, to make it big enough that everyone would recognize its importance. By organizing events and working with Utah lawmakers, Sawyer has accomplished her goal. On March 4, the Utah Senate passed House Bill 238, which would make Juneteenth a state holiday.
This year’s events will include:
- Flag Raising; Friday, June 17; 2001 S. State St., Salt Lake City.
- Juneteenth Welcome Reception; Friday, June 17; 2450 Grant Ave., Ogden.
- Utah Juneteenth Celebration; Saturday, June 18; 343 E. 25th St., Ogden.
- Utah Juneteenth Celebration with REAL Salt Lake; Saturday, June 18; 9256 S. State St., Sandy.
- Utah Juneteenth Celebration Barber Battle & Crowns Braid Battle; Sunday, June 19; 343 E. 25th St., Ogden.
- Utah Juneteenth Holiday Health & Wellness Expo, National Sickle Cell Day and Excellence in the Community Gospel Celebration; Monday, June 20; 239 S. Main St., Salt Lake City.
- Juneteenth Black Women’s Mural Project, Unveiling with Better Days Utah; Monday, June 27; 444 E. 600 South, Salt Lake City.
Juneteenth celebrates June 19, 1865, nearly two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, when a Union Army contingent informed a group of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, that they were free. The celebration has roots in Ogden and continues to celebrate with us. Don’t miss these events to celebrate the second independence.
For more info and times, visit projectsuccessinc.org/juneteenth-2022.