On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas. He informed the enslaved African Americans of their freedom and that the Civil War had ended. This momentous occasion has been celebrated as Juneteenth—a combination of June and 19—for over 150 years.
Learn more about Juneteenth—including videos and reading lists—on the National Museum of African American History & Culture at the Smithsonian website.
Dr. Chiquita Howard-Bostic, associate vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusivity; chair, Department of Sociology, Criminology, and Criminal Justice; and associate professor of criminal justice, is representing Shepherd University at local events that help us understand the meaning behind this important holiday.
Freedom Between the Lines: Juneteenth African American History in Eastern WV
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
13650 Apple Harvest Dr., Martinsburg
Saturday, June 18 | 10 a.m.-noon
“Freedom Between the Lines: Juneteenth-African American History in Eastern West Virginia” is an open panel discussion with thought leaders in the community that examines the historical importance of Juneteenth in our region.
Registration is not required but encouraged.
Juneteenth Marketplace Celebration
Martinsburg Shopping Plaza
525-601 Winchester Ave., Martinsburg
Sunday, June 19 | 1-5 p.m.
Dr. Howard-Bostic’s “Physical and Spiritual Bodies” art collection will be on display during the celebration.
Other area Juneteenth events
Martinsburg, West Virginia
Juneteenth/West Virginia Day Celebration
Various locations throughout Berkeley County
Friday, June 17 – Thursday, June 23
Hagerstown and Washington County, Maryland
Juneteenth Celebration
Rockland Estates, 9030 Sharpsburg Pike, Fairplay, Maryland
Sunday, June 19 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Juneteenth Community Day
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown, Maryland
Sunday, June 19 | 1-6 p.m.
Juneteenth Pop-Up
Bloom’s Alley Arts and Entertainment District, 101 E. Baltimore St., Hagerstown
Saturday, June 18 | noon-5 p.m.
Frederick, Maryland
Community Day 2022 “Community Empowered Through UNITY—A Call to Action”
Hosted by Frederick County (MD) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Staley Park, 11 W. 10th St., Frederick, Maryland
Saturday, June 18 | 1-5 p.m.
5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Frederick’s Historic Mullinix Park, W. All Saints Street, Frederick, Maryland
Saturday, June 18 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Juneteenth: From Enslaved to Emancipation
Monocacy National Battlefield, Best Farm, 5106 Urbana Pike, Frederick, Maryland
Sunday, June 19 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Celebrate and Educate! Juneteenth Fun for Children
Frederick Presbyterian Church, 115 W. 2nd St., Frederick, Maryland
Saturday, June 18 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Winchester, Virginia
Juneteenth Celebration
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, 901 Amherst St., Winchester, Virginia
Sunday, June 19 | noon-5 p.m.
Berryville, Virginia
10th Annual African Heritage Tour & Juneteenth Freedom Day
Josephine School Community Museum, 303 Josephine St., Berryville, Virginia
Saturday, June 18 | 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Juneteenth Celebration
890 W. Main St., Berryville, Virginia
Saturday, June 18 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m.