Photo by Eric Ayres Wheeling City Council last week took official action to proclaim June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day in the city of Wheeling, encouraging all residents to take part in Juneteenth ceremonies and activities in celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. In front, from left, are Alex Panas of Wheeling Heritage, Ron Scott of the YWCA and Owens Brown of the NAACP. In back, from left, are Wheeling City Council members Rosemary Ketchum, Jerry Sklavounakis, Mayor Glenn Elliott, Vice Mayor Chad Thalman and Ty Thorngate.

WHEELING — The entire Ohio Valley is getting ready to celebrate the end of slavery in the United States by marking the occasion of Juneteenth.

On June 16, a few days prior to the official holiday, the Ohio Valley Underground Railroad Museum Celebration and Fundraiser will take place from 5-8 p.m. at the Wheeling Artisan Center, 1400 Main St., Wheeling.

The Underground Railroad Museum, based in Flushing, is hosting its first fundraising event, sponsored by Ohio University Eastern. The evening will include “A Taste of Africa”‘ art exhibit, presentation and historical re-enactment. The event will also feature a DJ, cash bar and basket raffle. It is sponsored by Mid Atlantic Arts and Ohio University Eastern, with funding from Belmont County Tourism Council and Ohio Arts Council. All proceeds benefit the Ohio Valley Underground Railroad Museum.

That same evening, June 16, the Belmont County NAACP Steak Fry Fundraiser gets underway at 5:30 p.m. at St. Clairsville Memorial Park Rotary Shelter, 200 Walnut Ave., St. Clairsville.

The Belmont County NAACP is hosting the event to help create a new college scholarship program for local students. Belmont County Common Pleas Court Judge John Vavra will serve as the guest speaker.

Unlike traditional steak fry events, all food is prepared by Outback Steakhouse. Additionally, all dinnerware and cutlery will be provided. Tickets prices are reduced if purchased in advance by calling 740-310-6894.

Meanwhile, the city of Wheeling commemorates, then celebrates, Juneteenth on June 19, complete with poetry readings, speakers, music and food trucks.

In Wheeling, a Juneteenth ceremony is slated to begin at 6 p.m. at the north end of The Plaza On The Market — once the site of a slave auction block.

Speaking during the event will be Unique Robinson-Murphy, communities in schools site coordinator for Wheeling Park High School; Diana Bell of the Wheeling Griot Society; the Rev. Twila Davis of the Macedonia Baptist Church; and Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott.

Following the ceremony, the focus moves to a celebration at the south end of the plaza, where there will be food trucks and performances by Voices of Praise and Soul Pantry. A vendor market will be set up at the Market Plaza as well.

It is the fourth year that Wheeling has celebrated Juneteenth.

“We are so proud to see Wheeling’s Juneteenth celebration grow year after year. Four years ago, we were part of the inaugural celebration, and it lasted about two hours and rained the entire time,” said Betsy Sweeny, director of Heritage Programs at Wheeling Heritage.

“Every single person stayed. It was an impactful moment that demonstrated how important this event is in the community. This year, four years later, we have four days of events, from education to entertainment, and expect our largest crowd yet.”

This year’s events include a poetry contest for area high school students, who are encouraged to express their creativity and imagination “to explore the themes of liberation, justice and hope.” The contest is organized by the Wheeling Area Juneteenth Committee.

Juneteenth celebrations date back to June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. This was more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official on Jan. 1, 1863.

“Hopefully, the novelty of Juneteenth is beginning to wear off and individuals can begin to embrace the holiday as one where we can learn from one another,” said Ron Scott, cultural diversity and community outreach director at the YWCA Wheeling and chairman of the Juneteenth Committee. “Overall, we want to see Juneteenth help foster a closer-knit community.”

Scott added that he wants people to come learn from those around them “and about the environment they are growing up in.”

He added it is “mindblowing” that what started as a rain-drenched ceremony has turned into a Juneteenth weekend celebration.

Other Juneteenth events are also happening in the area:

— Saturday, June 17, Men of Change Empowerment Fair, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Plaza on Market, 1053 Market St., Wheeling.

Men of Change will host a free community vendor and resource fair at The Plaza on Market. This fair will provide the opportunity for community members to learn about and connect with various resources, social services and educational institutions, businesses, and more.

— Sunday, June 18, 6 p.m., the movie “The Five Heartbeats” will be shown at Towngate Theatre.

Set in the 1960s, the film focuses on the Motown sound and the tale of a rhythm and blues singing group. Admission costs $5 but is free to those who come dressed in 1960s Motown-style, according to Scott.

In addition, Nail City Records will have a Motown-related display set up in the lobby, he said.

“These events are as inclusive as those on July 4,” Scott continued. “Don’t think that if you’re not African-American that you can’t partake in these. Don’t let anybody stop you from coming to celebrate with us.”