Columbus to celebrate Juneteenth holiday with weekend events starting Friday

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Juneteenth is this Friday, and the City of Columbus has a weekend of programs planned, June 19-21, in honor of this important day. 

The Columbus Human Rights Commission presents "Many Freedoms: Voices from Across the World on What It Means to Call America Home," an intimate panel discussion held on Friday, June 19th at Hotel Indigo, in the Belvedere Room, from noon to 1:30 p.m.

As the United States marks 250 years of independence, Many Freedoms creates space for voices that are too often absent from that celebration — the voices of immigrants and newcomers who have built their lives here and carry a unique perspective on what American freedom truly means. 

Panelists include Trung Lê, Yoonji Jung, Shannon McDonald, Bruna Carreira, and Ann and Wayne DeFreitas — community members, business owners, and neighbors who have each made Columbus home. The conversation will be moderated by Cindy Frey, President of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce.

Light bites and conversation will be served. Admission is free. Reserve your spot here: EVENTBRITE

Many Freedoms is one of several events taking place across the Juneteenth weekend, June 19–21. For a full listing of community events, including commemorations, celebrations, and programs for all ages, visit www.blackhistorycolumbus.com/juneteenth2026.   

The Columbus Human Rights Commission has organized the Many Freedoms event on Juneteenth (June 19) in partnership with the African American Foundation of Bartholomew County.