The mission of the Annapolis Juneteenth Celebration is to commemorate the emancipation of the last enslaved Africans in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived to Galveston, Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. Although the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued over two years prior, the news was withheld from many enslaved Africans. Today, we celebrate the freedom and continued legacy of resistance, empowerment, and community building.
This year’s theme is “160 Years – A Legacy of Resistance”. Our focus this year is the 160 Year struggle that has proven the resilience of people of color despite the many obstacles and barriers to impede our progress. Through music, art, education, and storytelling, we will emphasize the importance of our identity as men and women and no longer property.
SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2026
1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
FIREWORKS AT 9:15 PM
Bates Sports Complex
935 Spa Road
Annapolis, MD 21401