Juneteenth

June 19, 2025

Juneteenth commemorates the "effective emancipation of enslaved people" in the United States. Whom the Son set free, was not free indeed. The Emancipation Declaration was signed January 1,1863 but enslaved people in Galveston, Texas didn't get word of their freedom from chattel slavery until June 19, 1865. We give thanks to Opal Lee, the "grandmother of the movement" for making it a national holiday.

Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 14, 11 AM-3 PM
First Baptist Church of Vienna (450 Orchard Street, NW, Vienna, VA 22180)
This Juneteenth celebration features live music, food trucks, kids book give away, vendors, moon bounces and more. Learn more: fbcv.org.

Freedom Day Black-Owned Marketplace
Thursday, June 19, 11 AM
National Harbor (165 Waterfront St, National Harbor, MD 20745)
Visit the Freedom Day Black-Owned Marketplace in the Capital Canopy and various activations around National Harbor, enjoy the cultural showcase on the Plaza Stage and a screening of Black Panther. Learn more: nationalharbor.com.

Explore Historic Meeting House and Grounds
Saturday, June 21, 11 AM-2 PM
Frying Pan Farm Park (2709 West Ox Road, Herndon, VA 20171)
Delve into the history of the Frying Pan Baptist Meeting House, where Black congregants fought for greater freedoms within the church and formed their own community after emancipation. Ongoing tours will take you through the church and will talk about the former location of the Lee house, home of an African American family who lived on the property and worshipped at the church after the Civil War. Learn more: fairfaxcounty.gov.

Juneteenth Community Day Celebration
Saturday, June 21, 11 AM
National Museum of African American History & Culture (1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560)
This year’s Juneteenth Community Day honors the enduring legacy of freedom through the vibrant traditions of the African diaspora in the U.S. and the Caribbean. In celebration of Juneteenth and Caribbean American Heritage Month, the event invites visitors of all ages to experience the rhythms, stories, and flavors that define diasporic heritage. Learn more: nmaahc.si.edu.

Juneteenth Commemoration
Saturday, June 21, 3-5 PM
Bull Run Regional Park Campground (7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville, VA 20121)
Join a celebration of the largest emancipation prior to the Civil War and the lives of the enslaved and their descendants. The commemoration includes reflections on Emancipation, music, words of remembrance and hope. Learn more: novaparks.com.

United Christian Parish will be closed on Thursday, June 19.