06/10/2026
Juneteenth is more than a date in history. It's a reminder that freedom reached some Americans long after it was promised. During the acceptance of our City's Juneteenth proclamation, Commissioner Amini Bonane said it best: "Freedom delayed is freedom denied."
To our Black neighbors, friends, and families: your history matters, your stories matter, and you belong here.
Last night, Mayor Catherine Read, in concert with the city council, recognized June 19 as Juneteenth in — and invited the public to join our celebration at 6 p.m. on June 19, 2026, at the Sherwood Center. Members of the Juneteenth Committee accepted the proclamation.
Juneteenth commemorates the 1865 announcement in Galveston, Texas, that the Emancipation Proclamation would finally be enforced there — bringing long-overdue freedom to enslaved people. For generations, African American communities have honored this day as a testament to liberation, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.
Here in the City of Fairfax, our own history reflects this journey. From Mount Calvary Baptist Church and the Fairfax Rosenwald School to the Jermantown Cemetery and historic family homesteads, these landmarks stand as powerful reminders of the deep contributions African Americans have made to our civic, cultural, and spiritual life.
This year’s national theme, “Juneteenth Brings Balance to America’s Celebration of Freedom,” resonates as our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, reminding us that liberty is only fulfilled when it is shared by all.
Join us as we celebrate freedom, honor our shared history, and continue working toward a more just future for our city, our commonwealth, and our country. For information about the 2026 Juneteenth celebration, visit fairfaxva.gov and search “Juneteenth.”
Fairfax City Parks and Recreation
