Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI): June - Juneteenth

Juneteenth, our newest national holiday, commemorates the final emancipation of the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas. We celebrate this day with parades, festivals, and a spirit of unity and equity, with events all across Maryland.

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to this joyous day of celebration of African American history and culture.
Their annual countywide festival features live entertainment, food, vendors, arts and history activities, and a wide range of activities for all ages.

In July 2020, the Mayor and Council approved a resolution making Rockville the first municipality in Maryland to recognize Juneteenth as a paid city holiday.

Here are some events in Montgomery County you can attend to celebrate this important holiday!

Check back regularly on this webpage as they add this year’s Juneteenth festivals across the state. Beyond these Juneteenth celebrations, they will have inspirational content on how Juneteenth is celebrated in their arts, foods, and music – showcasing their abundance of Black-owned businesses in the Keystone State.

Join the Herbert Henderson of Minority Affairs in celebrating Juneteenth 2023 with music, games, bounce houses, vendors, and fun for everyone!

In whatever way Juneteenth is celebrated, it has ultimately become a time of sharing stories of Black resilience, resistance, liberation, and joy.

How do you explain Juneteenth to a child? We have history, facts, activities and Juneteenth lesson plan elementary ages and up and also how to celebrate Juneteenth at home — including Juneteenth activities for preschoolers and kindergarten!

From virtual campfires to Juneteenth trivia, here is a list of Juneteenth activities and events that employees can engage in to celebrate the special day.

Use these Juneteenth activities to spark dialogue, critical thinking, and creativity in your students while empowering them to become change agents for a more inclusive and equitable world.