Juneteenth festival planned for downtown Cortland

06/10/2025

The Cortland County Community of Color (C4) network invites the community to gather in celebration of Juneteenth on Saturday, June 14.

C4 — a collaborative initiative between SUNY Cortland and Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) — will host the official recognition of Black American emancipation from noon to 3 p.m. at Courthouse Park on Church Street in downtown Cortland.

In addition to a wide range of entertaining or informational vendor booths, attendees can look forward to public speeches, children’s activities, food trucks, giveaways and entertainment that reflect the vibrant cultural fabric of Cortland County.

“This annual event, now a cornerstone of C4’s outreach and cultural engagement efforts, celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and honors the ongoing pursuit of equity, justice and collective empowerment,” said organizer Bernice Cooper, a SUNY Cortland Campus Technology Services administrative professional.

Program Highlights

Esteemed institutional leaders and public officials will offer remarks at this year’s Juneteenth festival. Scheduled speakers include TC3 President Amy Kremenek, SUNY Cortland President Erik J. Bitterbaum and New York State Senator Lea Webb.

“Each will offer reflections on the significance of Juneteenth and the shared responsibility of continuing the work toward a more inclusive and just society,” Cooper said.

Yolanda Clarke, a respected advocate and assistant professor of health at SUNY Cortland, will deliver the event’s honorary keynote address.

In addition to celebrating emancipation and progress, this year’s event will also honor the legacy and memory of Regina Grantham, last year’s Juneteenth keynote speaker and an associate professor emeritus of SUNY Cortland’s Communication Disorders and Sciences Department. Clarke will honor Grantham for her decades of service and leadership, recognizing her invaluable contributions to education, advocacy and the community at large. Grantham’s daughter, El Grantham, will be honored during the program.

Community Vendors

The celebration will also feature a diverse lineup of local vendors and organizations offering information, services, and products that reflect the community’s spirit of inclusion and collaboration.

Participating vendors for 2025 include: YWCA Cortland, SPLAT Sumthin LLC, Family Planning of South Central New York, Cortland LGBTQ Center, Grace & Holy Spirit Church, Office of Senator Lea Webb, Indivisible Cortland County, Cortland County Mobility Management Program, Madam Hatter’s Tea House & Shopping Emporium (Just Chill Custom Gifting by Carol LLC), Cortland County Health Department, League of Women Voters of Cortland County, and Guava Spa.

Understanding Juneteenth

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and enforced the Emancipation Proclamation, officially freeing the last remaining enslaved African Americans in the Confederacy. Although President Abraham Lincoln had issued the proclamation over two years earlier, enforcement had not reached many areas still under Confederate control.

Recognized as the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021. While the official holiday is observed on June 19, many communities, including Cortland, host celebrations on nearby dates to increase accessibility and participation. This year, Cortland County will observe the holiday on June 14.

A Call to Celebrate and Reflect

“Juneteenth is more than a historical marker,” Cooper said. “It is a reminder of the ongoing journey toward equity and liberation. Through this annual event, C4 aims to foster education, engagement and empowerment within the community, while honoring those whose contributions have paved the way.

“The C4 Committee warmly invites all members of the Cortland community and surrounding areas to join in this year’s Juneteenth Celebration. Rain or shine, the day promises to be one of reflection, joy and unity.”

For more information, contact Cooper.

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