Montgomery County’s African American Living Legends Awards ceremony will kick off the County’s “Juneteenth” celebration on Saturday, June 20.
The Federal and County governments recognize Friday, June 19, as the official holiday. The County celebration will include events on Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20. The holiday honors June 19, 1865—the day Union soldiers arrived to take control of Texas and enforce the emancipation of slaves in the state.
Juneteenth has been a Federal holiday in the U.S. since 2021. However, the day’s official status and how it is celebrated differ from state to state.
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Slavery in the U.S. can be traced back to the 16th Century when Spanish explorers brought African slaves with them to the New World. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, during the Civil War, abolished slavery in areas then “in rebellion against the United States.” The Emancipation Proclamation ordered and declared “that all persons held as slaves” within these areas in rebellion “are, and henceforward shall be, free.” On that date, Texas was largely controlled by forces fighting for the Confederate States, which opposed the abolition of slavery.
On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived to take control of Texas and enforce the emancipation of slaves in the state. In Galveston, Tx., the newly freed slaves held large public celebrations and so laid the base for future Juneteenth activities. The word “Juneteenth” resulted from the words ‘June Nineteenth’ being combined in speech.
Maryland, a border state, abolished slavery within the state in 1864. The 13th amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery in the U.S. It was ratified in 1865.
“Juneteenth is a time to honor the generations of African Americans whose perseverance and determination helped shape our nation and our community,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “It is critical for each of us to learn from our history and remain committed to standing together to make sure that history is not rolled back or erased. We are proud to support celebrations that bring residents together to learn from our history, celebrate Black culture, and strengthen community connections.”
Events celebrating Juneteenth will include:
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- Montgomery County’s African American “Living Legend Awards.” Saturday, June 20. 11 a.m. BlackRock Center for the Arts.
12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown. Montgomery County will present “Living Legend Awards” to eight African American community leaders. The awards ceremony is part of the County’s annual Juneteenth celebration, which has a theme of “Pushing Back—The Fight for Freedom is Not Over.” The 2026 award recipients, all 75 or older, are being honored for their lifelong dedication to service, advocacy, and selfless acts of kindness. This year’s honorees are LeCount Davis, The Honorable William L. England Jr., Juanita Goudy, Gladys Hawkins Lyons, Reverend C. Glenn Taylor, Patricia Ann Tyson, Millie West-Wiggins, and Joann Snowden Woodson. The ceremony is free and open to the public. - Montgomery County’s 29th Juneteenth Celebration: “Pushing Back—The Fight for Freedom is Not Over.”
Saturday, June 20. Noon-10 p.m. BlackRock Center for the Arts. 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown. Enjoy live concerts and performances, browse an artisans market showcasing unique handmade goods, and purchase food from local vendors. The day will be packed with captivating performances and talks that celebrate the rich culture and history of Juneteenth. Bring your family and friends for an unforgettable day of music, creativity, and unity! Parking near the BlackRock Center is limited. Ride On will provide shuttle buses regularly from Montgomery College (Germantown) and Seneca Valley High School from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (NOTE: Towing will be enforced in the Safeway parking lot). The event is free. Find additional information at www.blackrockcenter.org/juneteenth. - Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival
Friday, June 19. Cabin John Regional Park, 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. The festival will feature live music, cultural performances, educational exhibits, local vendors, food, family activities, and opportunities to learn about the rich history of one of Montgomery County’s oldest African American communities. The day begins with a Juneteenth 5K at 8 a.m., a run or walk through the historic Black neighborhood of Scotland, passing landmarks like the 100-year-old Scotland AME Zion Church on Seven Locks Road. Other events include a family carnival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Clarence “Pint” Isreal Baseball Classic and Fireworks Show beginning at 6 p.m. The Scotland community was founded by formerly enslaved people in the late 19th century and remains an important part of Montgomery County’s African American heritage. For more information, visit Scotland’s Juneteenth celebration website at https://www.juneteenthscotland.org/. - Juneteenth at the Josiah Henson Museum & Park
Friday, June 19. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Josiah Henson Museum and Park. 11410 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda. Parking is available at the nearby Wall Local Park, located at 5900 Executive Blvd. The event will feature hands-on activities, refreshments, and opportunities to learn about the life and legacy of Reverend Josiah Henson, the history of enslavement in Maryland, and the continuing pursuit of racial equity and justice. Josiah Henson’s life inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” and remains an important part of Montgomery County’s history and heritage. Admission is $6 for children and seniors, and $7 for adults. Tickets are available onsite. More information at montgomeryparks.org. - Juneteenth at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
Friday, June 19. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 16501 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring. The event will provide opportunities for residents to learn about the history of the Underground Railroad, African American heritage in Montgomery County, and the significance of Juneteenth through educational programming and exhibits. The site serves as an important reminder of the people and stories that shaped the region’s history and the ongoing pursuit of freedom and equality. Admission is $6 for children and seniors, and $7 for adults. Tickets are available onsite. More information at montgomeryparks.org. - Clarence “Pint” Isreal Baseball Classic.
Shirley Povich Field at Cabin John Regional Park, 10600 Westlake Drive, Bethesda. Step back in time and celebrate a cherished tradition featuring a game between the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League’s Gaithersburg Giants and Bethesda Big Train. This commemorative game pays tribute to Clarence “Pint” Isreal, Montgomery County’s greatest Negro Leagues star and a dedicated mentor to local youth. Gates open at 5 p.m. Tickets at bigtrain.org/individual-tickets. As the sun sets, gather for an evening of tailgating, community spirit, and fireworks. No tickets or registration required.
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