Our Story
The Cincinnati Official Juneteenth Parade was created to ensure that Juneteenth is recognized not only as a celebration, but as a meaningful civic moment rooted in history, education, and community pride. What began as a public parade has grown into a trusted, community-centered initiative that brings together families, youth organizations, artists, educators, and neighborhood partners from across the city.
Now entering our fifth year, the Parade has become a visible and unifying platform for honoring freedom, uplifting Black history, and creating space for collective reflection and joy in Cincinnati’s public spaces.
Our Mission
The Cincinnati Official Juneteenth Parade exists to honor freedom, elevate historically underrepresented voices, and strengthen community pride through inclusive public programming, cultural arts, and civic storytelling that reflects the lived experiences and contributions of Black Cincinnatians.
Our Vision
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Our Vision
We envision a Cincinnati where Juneteenth is recognized as a shared civic tradition—one that connects history to the present, uplifts youth and artists, and affirms equity, inclusion, and belonging in public space.
What Makes Us Different
The Cincinnati Official Juneteenth Parade is not a one-day event. It is a year-round civic and cultural initiative with the annual parade serving as its public capstone.
Our work is grounded in:
- Free, accessible programming for all residents
- Community-led planning and partnerships
- Intergenerational engagement
- Paid opportunities for artists and cultural groups
Our Focus Areas
Equity & Inclusion
We center historically underrepresented narratives in public space through accessible programming, intergenerational storytelling, and civic education that fosters belonging and shared understanding.
Arts & Culture
We support and showcase local artists, musicians, dancers, and cultural groups—creating paid opportunities while preserving African American traditions and creative expression.
Economic & Neighborhood Impact
Our programming activates neighborhoods, uplifts Black-owned businesses and vendors, and circulates resources locally through partnerships, stipends, and visibility.
Why Juneteenth Matters in Cincinnati
Despite Juneteenth’s federal recognition, many residents lack access to locally grounded education and inclusive public programming that reflects Cincinnati’s Black history and civic contributions. The Cincinnati Official Juneteenth Parade addresses this gap by creating a shared, free, and accessible experience that honors the past while investing in the future of our community.
Year-Round Impact
While the annual parade is our most visible moment, our work extends throughout the year through community partnerships, educational initiatives, storytelling projects, and media documentation that deepen understanding and engagement beyond a single day.
Looking Ahead
The Cincinnati Official Juneteenth Parade is entering its next phase of growth and sustainability. As we expand our impact, we are actively seeking strategic partnerships and a fiscal sponsor to support our long-term vision as a public-serving cultural and equity initiative aligned with the needs and values of Cincinnati residents.
Join Us
We invite community members, partners, and supporters to be part of this work.
The Legacy of “Meme” Brown
June 2, 1970 – December 30, 2022
Though she is no longer with us, Meme’s indomitable spirit, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence remain woven into the very fabric of The Cincinnati Official Juneteenth Parade.
As we celebrate the parade’s success, we also honor the memory of an extraordinary leader. Meme’s legacy endures, living on through the family she built within the C.O.J.P. team—a family united by the values she instilled, the knowledge she imparted, and the kindness she embodied.
While Meme’s presence is deeply missed, her influence reverberates in every step we take. The torch she ignited now burns brightly in the hands of those who understand the profound power of knowledge, compassion, and dedication.
Thank you, Meme, for being the heart and soul of The Cincinnati Official Juneteenth Parade. You will forever be remembered, cherished, and celebrated. #InHerMemory
– The C.O.J.P. Committee