The Kelton House Museum and Garden will host a special Juneteenth Event focusing on drumming and poetry to lift the spirit and soul. Our celebration will feature the drumming of Akwaaba, led by founder BabaaRitah Clark who is also a dancer at Djun'kendafala Dance Company. OPA will feature the following four award-winning and renowned poets:

SUSANN MOELLER, an award-winning poet, is Vice President of the Ohio Poetry Association (OPA) and Chancelor of the National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS).

Chiquita Mullens-Lee, Arts Learning coordinator at the Ohio Arts Council, performs with Columbus-based Wild Women Writing and leads Word Warriors creative writing ministry.

Karen Scott, a social justice advocate, keeps her fingers on the pulse of all-things-poetry -- locally, regionally and beyond -- as her frequent attendance at open mics and workshops testify.

Rose M. Smith, a Cave Canem Fellow, informed by human situations and emotions, has repeatedly represented Columbus at the National Poetry Slam, appeared on TEDx Columbus

Catering will be provided by Ira Hartway, a member of the family that includes Martha and Pearl, the two young freedom seekers who were brought to the Kelton House for safety. Ira is actually the great great grandson of John Aurelius Hartway, Martha and Pearl’s brother, who lived in Columbus as a free man. While Pearl moved on north to safety, Martha grew up in the home and was married in the front parlor by Reverend James Preston Poindexter.

“With 42 years cooking experience from different Cultures and a few places I lived and worked in, (New Mexico, Arizona., Louisiana, and Georgia.) This is how my Legendary smoke turkey legs and cabbage, incredible jerk chicken and shrimp tacos and egg rolls and finger food cuisine was started. I was thrilled to become co-owner Avion Bar and Grill and Live Luv Eat food truck for 10 years where I turned my passion for cooking into reality. I’ve since been catering, cooking, and meal preparation for clients which has led me to further my culinary knowledge. My mission is to create memorable dishes and dining experiences mix with a unique style of taking recipes from our history and elevating them.”- Ira Hartway

Schedule-

2 p.m. Land Acknowledgement followed by reading of the Juneteenth Declaration

2:15 p.m. Introduction of poets and drummers followed by performances.

3 p.m. break and refreshments

3:15 p.m. Second session of poets and drummers

4 p.m. - 5 p.m. gathering for food and after performance by Jordan Hartway, Ira’s nephew.

Juneteenth is the Nation’s second Independence Day which began June 19, 1865 when Union Army general Gordon Granger marched into Galveston, TX, backed by 2000 union troops, and announced the freedom of all enslaved people- a full 2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Lincoln. The announcement brought both shock and joy to the now formally enslaved people. Today, this national holiday is celebrated with barbeques and family gatherings, and keeping joy and remembrance in the center of the commemoration.

Founded in 1923, the Junior League of Columbus is part of a network of 298 Junior Leagues across the world. We are a learning organization dedicated to; promoting voluntarism through our Quick Impact opportunities, developing the potential of women through our hands-on training through placements, and improving communities through projects and programs developed by our organization. Our programs included Kelton House Museum & Garden and our Bridging the G.A.P. Project.

Juneteenth 2025

By Junior League of Columbus

Juneteenth 2025

Join us in celebration with poetry, music, food, and libations