The Juneteenth holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when the Union army arrived in Texas bearing federal orders proclaiming the end of slavery. The orders arrived nearly two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation declared that enslaved people living in the secessionist Confederate states were now free.
Learn more through the National Archives, where you can view a digital copy of the Emancipation Proclamation that was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. You can also check out the City’s reading list on Juneteenth, racial equity and social justice.
In July 2020, the Mayor and Council approved a resolution making Rockville the first municipality in Maryland to recognize Juneteenth as a paid city holiday.
Event Info
The City of Rockville will join Montgomery County to celebrate Juneteenth at a special event featuring live music, food, art, films and awards from 12-10 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 2023 at the BlackRock Center for the Arts.
The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights coordinates the program, which also features the Living Legends Awards honoring county residents who have helped shape the cultural heritage of the African American community. Look for a City of Rockville table and city representatives at the celebration.
Saturday, June 17, 12-10 p.m.
BlackRock Center for the Arts
12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown, MD 20874
View Schedule of Events
For ADA modifications, please contact the city’s ADA Coordinator at 240-314-8108, jhomer@rockvillemd.gov, TTY 240-314-8137 or Relay 711 by June 1.
