Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day,” is a holiday that commemorates and celebrates the ending of slavery in the United States. Check out the virtual and in-person events below for places to celebrate Juneteenth in/around Prince George’s County with your friends and family this year.
Lakeland Spirit: Virtually Explore this Historic African-American Community this Thursday
If you’ve enjoyed Route One Fun’s series on nearby Lakeland, the historic African-American community of College Park, then listen up! Register now for this Thursday’s virtual presentation, “The Lakeland Spirit: Through Digital Footprints.” At this virtual event, you’ll be treated to an evening full of oral histories, personal documents and photographs spotlighting the resilient spirit of this century-old African-American community in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Pathway to Unity this Friday, March from DeMatha High School to DC Border
On the morning of Friday, August 28th, citizens of our community will walk in solidarity down the Route 1 corridor from the East-West Highway to the D.C. border to express support for the goals of The Commitment March, the 57th Anniversary of the March on Washington. Walkers can walk for one block or all the way down to the National Mall, advocating for police reform, voter registration & participation, and an accurate census. The event, called the “Pathway to Unity,” is supported by a collaboration between the residents of Brentwood, College Park, Hyattsville, North Brentwood, Mt. Rainier, Riverdale, and University Park.
Education & the African American Community of Lakeland, College Park
What do you know about Lakeland, a historically significant and tight-knit African American community in College Park? Did you know that this community fought to see their children education in their community – and many lost their homes when the Prince George’s County School Board decided to build a new school on land occupied by houses, including that of Maxine Gross’s grandmother? When asked about it, “my grandmother said she could build another house; children should be educated in their own community.” More from Maxine and Lakeland here.
Family March for Black Lives, Hyattsville
This Saturday, June 20th from 10am – 12pm, join local friends and families for a Family March for Black Lives at Hyattsville’s Magruder Park. The event is organized by local momma – Sage Morgan Hubbard – in celebration of Juneteenth and in response to all that is going on in this world.
Morgan Hubbard is organizing this event “to have a place where young people’s voices are heard and seen in a safe way with minimum or no police presence. We will be giving away face masks and sharing information about local campaigns.” Pyramid Atlantic will be giving away posters made by Black artists and Art Works Now is doing a Zoom protest poster-making session the night before the event.
