This Juneteenth, join your neighbors at a diverse lineup of events and programs celebrating resilience, unity and progress. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, the last of enslaved African Americans living in Galveston, Texas were told the Civil War had ended; the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln; and all African Americans were now free from the bondage of slavery. This date came to be known as Juneteenth. It is a time to reflect on history, celebrate freedom, appreciate African American culture and encourage continuous self-development.
Juneteenth Community Events
The Gum Springs Community Day and Juneteenth Celebration will kick off with the unveiling of the new West Ford historic highway marker on Saturday, June 17, at 10:30 a.m. near Richmond Highway and Fordson Road followed by a Descendants Walk to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Park to continue the festivities with a health fair, carnival rides, food and music. Learn more here.
Bring picnic chairs, a blanket and your favorite dancing shoes to the McLean Community Center Juneteenth celebration on Sunday, June 18, at 3 p.m. Uncle Devin and Friends will present “Go-Go for Families, a DC Legacy!” Bring the kids to experience the infectious energy of original Go-Go tunes, funky grooves and the D.C. style of African call-and-response. Get location and other details here.
Juneteenth at Parks
Visit Frying Pan Farm Park on Saturday, June 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and celebrate African American stories, food traditions, music and contributions to American spiritual life. Activities will include a special guest storyteller, live music, crafts, history and food trucks offering African American cuisine. Register online here.
Visit the Sully Historic Site to take the Forgotten Road Tours for free Thursday, June 15, through Saturday, June 17, from 2-2:45 p.m. This 45-minute tour is of Sully’s outbuildings and slave quarter area, highlighting the daily work and history of the enslaved community at Sully during the 18th century. Reserve your spot today.
Learn about other park events celebrating Juneteenth here.
Dive into Black History This Juneteenth
The county takes pride in our extensive African American History Inventory, which provides valuable insights and information for individuals interested in delving deeper into Black history. The inventory, compiled by the History Commission, highlights significant sites, landmarks and stories related to African American history in the county. Learn more.
The Library offers a dedicated collection of materials and resources related to African American history. To explore these resources, visit their Black History webpage.
Juneteenth at Libraries
Stop by Thomas Jefferson Library on Tuesday, June 20, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. for a screening of the critically acclaimed film “Miss Juneteenth” (2020). Directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples, the movie tells the story of a former beauty queen and single mom as she prepares her rebellious teenage daughter for the Miss Juneteenth pageant. Learn more.
Join the Burke Historical Society at Pohick Regional Library on Sunday, June 25, from 3-4:30 p.m. as Debbie Robison presents “Educating Freedmen: Reconstruction-Era Challenge and Successes in Fairfax County.” The program details the establishment and support of schools to serve African American children in Fairfax County after the Civil War. Learn more.
