Bahá’ís with Mayor Aftab Pureval (back row, third from right) at Cincinnati’s 2025 Juneteenth celebration
Cincinnati, Ohio’s 33rd Annual Juneteenth Festival celebrated a memorable milestone on June 14 this year — for the very first time, the Baha’i Faith was proudly represented! The initiative, sparked by a single community member’s suggestion, quickly gained momentum as fellow Baha’is from Indian Hills, Cincinnati, Loveland, and West Chester rallied to support the effort. Thanks to their collective efforts, the day was filled with success and meaningful connections.
When we arrived to set up our booth, an unexpected twist occurred: we weren’t on the official list. Instead, we were graciously accommodated at a table in the “Wellness” tent, sharing space with five other organizations. Interestingly, only one other group was active in the tent, and when they left early, the Baha’is had the entire space to ourselves. This turned out to be a blessing, as visitors could comfortably sit inside, escape the sun’s rays, and engage deeply — all thanks to the weather’s surprise overcast skies, which kept the rain and thunderstorms at bay, seemingly by Baha’u’llah’s blessing!
The event was vibrant with activity, including eleven new friends sharing their emails to stay connected and informed about future events. Excitement was brewing around a follow-up presentation on Racial Unity and Social Justice scheduled for the next Saturday, drawing interest from newcomers and longtime friends alike. Among our visitors, we welcomed those new to the Faith eager to learn, and familiar faces like Nebsa from Yellow Springs, OH, who actively shares Baha’u’llah’s teachings.
We also celebrated the joy of new declarations! Gwen and Danielle, newly declared Baha’is, are enthusiastically spreading the message of Baha’u’llah. Danielle even brought Cincinnati’s Mayor into the tent, and presented him with a Lotus Temple-themed keychain after he mentioned visiting it.Then he posed for a joyful photo with the Baha’is.
Our dedicated volunteer Yolanda brought heartfelt touches to the festival, delivering a symbol of virtue — a small, heart-shaped pillow with a virtue and its definition, to every volunteer booth at the festival.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone whose efforts made this festival truly special. Your energy, faith, and friendship shined brightly — well done, indeed!