Thursday is Juneteenth, which celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. While this holiday was only declared a federal holiday in 2021, it’s been celebrated by Black communities in the U.S. for over 150 years. It’s considered the oldest African American holiday.
There are plenty of fun events this weekend that are great opportunities to teach your kids about this important moment in American history. Here’s a few in the Chesapeake to get you started!
Celebrate Juneteenth at Hammond-Harwood House
June 19, 1-4 p.m.
Hammond-Harwood House | 19 Maryland Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401
Come to the Hammond-Harwood House’s historic kitchen for an education on the Black cooks that played a key role in shaping Maryland’s local cuisine! Joyce White, author of “Cooking Maryland’s Way: Voices of a Diverse Cuisine,” and historian Willa Banks will be speaking, with the latter focusing on enslaved workers at the Hammond-Harwood House.
$15 | hammondharwoodhouse.org/event/celebrate-juneteenth-at-hammond-harwood-house/
Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Juneteenth Festival
June 21, 11 a.m.
Parade: Calvert St., Annapolis, MD 21401
Festival: Anne Arundel Fairgrounds | 1450 Generals Hwy., Crownsville, MD 21032
Celebrate Juneteenth with the entire community at this day of festive fun! The day kicks off with a parade at noon, followed by a festival at 2 p.m. The latter features live music, food, games and more!
Free | theannapolisjuneteenth.org
