Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day,” is a holiday that commemorates and celebrates the ending of slavery in the United States. As the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation notes: “Marking the date that the last enslaved people learned of their freedom, the month of June and the nineteenth day were combined to form the word Juneteenth. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Juneteenth is an official holiday recognized in over 43 states and the District of Columbia.”
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.
Did we miss any? Add them to the comments below and we’ll update this post ASAP – so be sure to check back often!
Visit https://juneteenth.com/ to learn more about the significance of Juneteenth.
Thursday, June 17th
*Voices of Woodlawn (Virtual)
In Voices of Woodlawn, four poets give voice to the erased lives of slaves at Woodlawn, a Fairfax, Virginia plantation that is now a historic estate.
When: Thursday, June 17, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Where: Register here.
Friday, June 18th
Book Talk: “Kindred” by Octavia Butler (Virtual)
In celebration of Juneteenth, join PGCMLS staff as they discuss the novel Kindred by Octavia Butler.
When: 7-8pm ”
Where: Register here.
Juneteenth Celebration Kits Handout Drive-Through (In-Person)
Juneteenth celebration kits for individuals to take home and plan their own celebrations. Kits will include games, activity books, and historical information on Juneteenth. Registration Not Required Quantities Limited; Limit of 2 Kits per vehicle/household. Drive-Through Locations: Montpelier Arts Center; Ridgeley Rosenwald School; Oxon Hill Manor
When: Drive through 5-7pm
Where: See above.
Saturday, June 19th
Juneteenth: A Walk to Remember (In-Person)
A Walk to Remember is a community walk in honor of the past, present and future stories of the collective Black experience.
When: Saturday, June 19th, 7-9am
Where: National Harbor, Fort Washington
*Black Smoke: African Americans And The United States Of Barbecue (Virtual)
Adrian Miller, food writer, James Beard Award winner, attorney, and certified barbecue judge joins Kevin Young, NMAAHC director and member of the Southern Food Alliance in a conversation about Miller’s book Black Smoke.
When: Saturday, June 19, 2021, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Where: Online, register here ASAP.
Juneteenth: Liberate, Create, Celebrate (In-Person)
This free outdoor event will feature Music, Local Artisan Vendors, An Art Gallery Opening (in the Creative Suitland Art Gallery) and a Community Drum Circle in Creative Suitland’s parking lot.
When: Saturday, June 19th, 12-5pm
Where: Creative Suitland,
Juneteenth Parade, Annapolis (In-Person)
To kick-off the festival, a parade will take place to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday featuring community-based civic organizations, marching bands, dance squads, floats, and more. RSVP here.
When: 12-2pm
Where: Annapolis City Dock, Annapolis
*Juneteenth: A Celebration Of Resilience| Genealogy & Records Of Intrigue (Virtual)
Using a case of “Reverse Genealogy” the family history of an enslaved spinner & weaver will be traced from the era of the American Revolution to the turn of the century. Based on a Freedman’s Bank record Center staff will follow the historical footpath of a woman who lost children during slavery and the Civil War, surviving to secure an account with the Freedman’s Bank. This presentation will demonstrate how one critical record links to a host of documents leading to an intriguing emancipation story.
When: Saturday, June 19, 2021, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Where: Online, register here ASAP.
Juneteenth Mini Celebrations (In-Person)
These small in-person celebrations will include music, history activities, and arts activities. Celebrations will include stepping workshops led by Step Afrika! and art activities led by Creative Suitland and Words Beats & Life.
When: 1-3pm
Where: Venues are Montpelier Arts Center, Ridgeley Rosenwald School, and Oxon Hill Manor.
*Juneteenth: A Celebration Of Resilience| Porch Stories – Tales Of Slavery And Beyond (Virtual)
Internationally recognized storyteller, Jan Blake shares two stories – an Ethiopian tale entitled “Fire on the Mountain” followed by her interpretation of a short story by Charles Chesnutt entitled “Mary and Moses.” These stories share insights into the wisdom and strength of America’s post-slavery communities and the futures they faced. Daniel Black, Professor of African American Studies at Clark University, Atlanta, and a novelist, interviews Blake about how she weaves the African American experience into the body of her work largely focused upon the Diaspora. Recommended for ages 10+.
When: Saturday, June 19, 2021, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Online, register here.
Taratibu Juneteenth Celebration! (In-Person)
This family friendly event honors Juneteenth by celebrating the strength and faith of African Americans through song, dance and spoken word. We honor our ancestors that did not make it to Juneteenth and those that survived. We sing songs of freedom, dance movements of liberation and speak to the beauty and perseverance of Africans and African Americans.
Want to Learn More about Juneteenth?
PGCMLS has a wonderful Juneteenth hub available for all to peruse. You’ll find book & movie recommendations for all ages.
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