MCLS, Social Justice Coalition to Celebrate Juneteeth

ZANESVILLE, OH – The Muskingum County Library System is getting ready to host a program all about a small Ohio town and the role it played in the pursuit of freedom.

In collaboration with the Muskingum County Social Justice Coalition, MCLS will host a Juneteenth Celebration with the Tablertown People of Color Museum on June 13th, from Noon to 1PM in Elson Hall on the OUZ Campus.

Skyler Tigner, the Adult Services Assistant Librarian, said last year’s Juneteenth Celebration featured an author and artist named Jo Ellen Mayle, who also highlighted the story of Tablertown.

Tigner said they thought this would be a good way to help continue the conversation and keep its history alive.

“Of course, Juneteenth is a very special day but we also want to show that it’s not just the Library, who’s you know trying to celebrate this,” Tigner said. “That, it is a community wide want and that we all want to be together to celebrate that.”

In addition to the presentation from the Museum there will also be several local organizations onsite with tables and information to share with the community.

Tigner said you’ll have time before and after the presentation to walk around, chat with the different tables, and grab a light snack.

She hopes all those who attend the Celebration leave with some new knowledge and new connections.

“We want to talk about the legacy of Tablertown, we do have a lot of connection with that in our community as well,” Tigner said. “So we want to highlight that, also it is in Athens, so it’s pretty close to us as well. Also again, just bringing forth all these organizations with that in mind.”

Registration is not required for this program but is highly encouraged.

To register for the Juneteenth Celebration, you can head to the Library’s website.