By Tierra Stone
AFRO Intern
tierrastone@afro.com
Juneteeenth is a time of celebration, recognizing the day that enslaved African Americans in Texas learned they were free. Though millions of slaves in Confederate territory had been freed on Jan. 1, 1863, slaves in Texas did not receive word of new law until June 19, 1865.
On June 19, the Anacostia Community Center will host a Juneteenth Community Day Celebration, offering musical performances and fun for all ages.
Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Katelynd Anderson
Now that Juneteenth is officially recognized as a federal holiday, people across D.C., Maryland, Virginia (DMV) and surrounding areas are taking time to celebrate with a series of different events to commemorate the occasion. This week, the AFRO compiled info on events set to take place throughout the week of Juneteenth. Take a look below to find an event that’s happening near you!
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Baltimore
AFRO Juneteenth Breakfast
This year, the AFRO will host its annual Juneteenth breakfast at the Center Club in downtown Baltimore under the theme, “Celebrating the Black Press.” Karsonya “Dr. Kaye” Wise Whitehead, Ph.D, will serve as keynote speaker for the celebration. This event will honor community leaders and a local media company for their ability to make change in the community. This year’s honorees are Dr. Benjamin Chavis Jr., Bobby Henry Sr., Thelma T. Daley, Ed. D. and the Root Branch Media Company.
A series of community leaders such as NNPA CEO and President Dr. Benjamin Chavis, NNPA Chairman Bobby Henry Sr. and legendary civil and human rights activist Thelma T. Daley, Ed.D, will be honored at the AFRO’s annual Juneteenth breakfast. The breakfast, which will also honor Root Branch Media Group, is set for June 19 at The Center Club’s Legg Mason Building in downtown Baltimore.
Photo Credit: AFRO Photo
Date: June 19
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location:The Center Club
Legg Mason Building
100 Light Street #16
Baltimore MD, 21202
Cost: $85 per person
Please contact Diane Hocker at DHocker@afro.com for ticket inquiries.
In Celebration of Juneteenth
The Enoch Pratt Central Library will host a presentation about Juneteeenth with local historian Mr. Bradley Alston. Make sure to stick around for the question and answer session afterward.
Local Baltimore historian Mr. Bradley Alston will be hosting a presentation at the Enoch Pratt Central Library on June 18 at 7 p.m.
Photo Credit: Photo Courtesy of Kwabena Swarfo
Date: June 18
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Enoch Pratt Central Library (Poe Room)
400 Cathedral Street
Baltimore MD, 21201
Cost: Free
Freedom’s Voices from Jubilee to Reparations
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum will host a mixture of events for the history, music and theater buffs in the family. The celebration will include a presentation about emancipation with documentary story quilter, Dr. Joan M. E. Gaither. The visitors will be able to create their own quilt square commemorating the day, and the event will also feature a musical performance by The Carter Singers, including monologues recited by local youth that were co-written by hip hop artist wordsmith, and lastly, a panel discussion with filmmaker John Comer. Refreshments will be provided first come, first serve.
Date: June 19
Time: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: The Reginald F. Lewis Museum
830 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Cost: Free
Washington D.C.
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
What’s a better way to celebrate Juneteenth in the city of our nation’s capital and enjoy community day, that will be hosted by the Anacostia Community Museum. Attendees are asked to bring their own food and beverages, but open grilling is not allowed. The day also includes a lineup of musical performances by R&B singer Alex Vaughn, including other artists such as DuPont Brass, CuzzinB, Noochie and the Too Much Talent Band. All visitors are required to register online.
Date: June 19
Time: 10 a.m – 5 p.m.
Location: Anacostia Community Museum
1901 Fort Place SE
Washington D.C. 20020
Cost: Free
Virginia
Juneteenth Free Community Day
There’s always a good time to stop and smell the roses at the free community day event hosted at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. There will be food sold at the Garden Cafe which has a variety of meals and will be open from 10a.m – 4p.m and the patio and grill will open from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. The garden prohibits visitors from bringing sports gear, outside food and tobacco products. Don’t forget to dress comfortably and to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Date: June 19
Time: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
1800 Lakeside Avenue
Henrico, VA 23228
Cost: Free
Juneteenth Freedom Festival
This event is perfect for the whole family with something for everyone through informational presentations, and musical performances by singer and songwriter Roberta Lea, Tank and the Bangas, and the Mosaic Steel Orchestra. There will be food trucks available. The event will be outside, make sure to wear comfortable clothing and remember to stay hydrated.
Date: June 22
Time: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Victory Landing Park
50 26th Street
Newport News, VA 23607
Cost: Free
Juneteenth Celebration
The Carlyle House mansion will host a Juneteenth event with vendors, interactive activities, and poetic readings outside on the lawn.
Date: June 19
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m
Location: Carlyle House Historic Park
121 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Cost: Free
Cecil County
Fifth Annual Juneteenth Community Celebration
The Elkton Community center is hosting its fifth annual Juneteenth celebration and everyone is welcome to join the festivities. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Tony Allen, Ph.D, president of Delaware State University, along with performances by the Restored Praise and Worship Ministry Gospel Choir from Restoration Tabernacle Church, The YMCA Essence Legacy Performing arts program, including legendary drummer Bernard Lee “Pretty” Purty. Lastly, The day will also include numerous on site health screenings.
Date: June 19
Time: 10:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.
Location Elkton Community Center
121 Stockton Street
Elkton MD, 21921
Cost: Free
Howard County
Songs of Freedom; Journey Along the Underground Railroad
Come learn about the life and times of Harriet Tubman through music and story-telling with Linda Harris, the director of events and programming at the Harriet Tubman Museum and educational center in Cambridge Maryland.
Date: June 20
Time: 7 p.m – 8:30 p.m.
Location:Carroll Baldwin Hall
9035 Baltimore Street
Savage, MD 20763
Cost: Free
Prince George’s County
Concert in the Park: Juneteenth
Don’t forget to bring a cozy blanket and your favorite lawn chair and come celebrate Juenteenth with a live musical performance by the Eclipse International Band. Refreshments will be sold.
Date: June 21
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: Edmonston Recreation Center
5100 Tanglewood Drive
Edmonston, MD 20781
Cost: Free
Summer Jam Series: Juneteenth Celebration
The Hyattsville Summer Jam will be hosting a celebration to honor the day with family and friends. There will be food vendors, live performances and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Date: June 21
Time: 5:30 p.m – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Hyatt Park
3500 Hamilton Street
Hyattsville MD, 20782
Cost: Free
Juneteenth Art House: Music, Poetry, and Unity
Enjoy a night full of harmony and celebrate your roots with co-hosts Chinara Hill and Amira Mitchell at the Black owned Oblivion Art House. There will be poetry, a DJ, free beverages and food vendors.
Date: June 18
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Location: Oblivion Art House
8901 49th Avenue
College Park, MD 20740
Cost: Free
Colors of Freedom: A Juneteenth Celebration Sip and Paint
Get ready to harvest your imagination by painting through a relaxing atmosphere that will inspire attendees to learn about Juneteenth in a creative way.
Date: June 19
Time: 1 p.m.- 3 p.m.
Location Arts’tination
162 Waterfront Street
Oxon Hill MD, 20745
Cost: Free
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