The Juneteenth Festival, held on June 22, 2024, as part of the West African Music and Arts Festival, was a success. This historic celebration, organized by the African American Association of Ghana (AAAG) in partnership with the Beyond the Return Secretariat, brought together a diverse array of participants to honor the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and to celebrate the enduring bond between the African diaspora and the motherland. The day’s events commenced with a parade from the WEB Dubois Center for Pan Africanism to the Accra Tourist Information Center, drawing a enthusiastic attendees from the diaspora and Ghana together in solidarity.

Following the parade, the Juneteenth Festival at the Accra Tourist Information Center was filled with activities including a local vending marketplace showcasing an array of locally made goods, while open mic sessions and DJ decks kept the energy high with performances by artists like Crazy Keys. Panel discussions provided valuable insights into the experiences of diasporans transitioning to life in Ghana, covering topics such as legal requirements, land ownership, and the path to citizenship.

President of the African American Association of Ghana, Diallo Sumbry, said they came together to celebrate the fact that Juneteenth is a national holiday in the United States. He stressed how important it is for us to know our own history. He compared what happened with Juneteenth with a similar circumstance in Ghana. “Ghana had its own form of Juneteenth. in 1808 the British government outlawed the importation of slaves to the U.S., but it didn’t technically stop until 1877 and that’s the same thing that happened with Juneteenth,” he explained to everyone before the parade. “We want to make sure that with this tradition of Juneteenth in the United States, and us connecting with each other around the globe, that what we are celebrating is the spirit of our resilience, the spirit of our strength and the commitment to no longer hold out on ourselves.”

The event was a testament to the strength and unity of the African diaspora, celebrating freedom, culture, and community. The success of the Juneteenth Festival was another reminder of the importance of the Beyond the Return initiative and its goal to bridge the gap between the diaspora and Ghana.  With a vision of coming together as a community and working towards strengthening our ties as we learn and support each other.  

For more information on the African American Association of Ghana visit their website at www.aaaghana.org.

See more photos from the event on our Facebook Page.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates a significant moment in American history: the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. This day marked the freedom of over 250,000 enslaved people in Texas, the westernmost Confederate state, who had been unaware of their liberation.

Recognized as the longest-running African American holiday, Juneteenth became an official United States federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. This momentous step acknowledged the importance of Juneteenth in American history and its ongoing significance in the fight for equality and justice.

Juneteenth in Ghana is a celebration of unity and solidarity with our diaspora community. In alignment with the Beyond the Return Campaign, the African American Association of Ghana (AAAG) continues to honor Juneteenth and builds a sense of community between African Americans and Ghanaians. This year, the celebration will include an Awareness Parade and Festival on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Supported by Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Art & Culture, the Ghana Tourism Authority, and the Office of Diaspora Affairs in the presidency, this event marks the continuation of a tradition that resonates deeply with those of African descent worldwide.

The festivities will begin with a Juneteenth Celebration and Awareness Parade from the W.E.B Dubois Center for Pan Africanism to the Accra Tourist Information Center, where the Juneteenth Festival will take place. The day will feature a local vending marketplace, open mic sessions, DJs, musical performances, and panel discussions focused on the transition to living in Ghana for diasporans.

Detailed Schedule of Events

Wednesday, June 19, 2024 (Official Juneteenth US Holiday):

• 3 pm – 4 pm: OPAL’s Walk for Freedom – A short walk through Cantonments in honor of Opal Lee.
• 7 pm: West African Music and Arts Festival Opening (Invite Only).

Friday, June 21, 2024:

• 7 pm: AAAG President’s Juneteenth Kick Back – Networking event with complimentary food, mocktails, and a cash bar at Chateau Nana Willine Boutique Hotel.

Saturday, June 22, 2024:

• 7 – 9 am: Gather and stretch at WEB Dubois Center in preparation for the Juneteenth Parade.
• 9 – 11 am: Juneteenth Parade from WEB Dubois to Accra Tourist Information Center.
• 11:30 am – 6 pm: Juneteenth Festival at Accra Tourist Information Center, including various cultural activities, workshops, and panel discussions.

Workshops and Panel Discussions

The festival will also host several informative workshops and panel discussions at the Accra Tourist Information Center Conference Room:

• 12 – 1:30 pm: “Living Legally” – Discussion on legal requirements and taxes for living in Ghana.
• 1:45 – 3:15 pm: “Beyond the Return” – Exploring the history and future of the diaspora movement in Africa.
• 3:30 – 5:00 pm: “Buying and Owning Land in Ghana” – Legal processes and practical experiences.
• 5:15 – 6:45 pm: “Oath of Allegiance” – Exploring pathways to citizenship for diasporans.

The celebration will conclude with the West African Music and Arts Festival Closing Concert at Labadi Beach Hotel, open to all attendees.

About AAAG

The African American Association of Ghana is dedicated to promoting the cultural, social, spiritual, and economic well-being of African Americans and other people of African descent returning to Ghana. Their mission is to facilitate the integration of diasporans into Ghanaian society, building a bridge between the past and future, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage shared across continents. For more information or to participate as a sponsor or vendor, please contact the African American Association of Ghana at aaagjuneteenth@gmail.com or 053 557 0429.