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This free event promises a full day of music, art, food and family fun. This year’s theme — “Our Freedom! Our Story!� — centers on the power of storytelling to honor African American history, culture and resilience.

Presented in partnership with Building African American Minds and the Frederick Douglass Honor Society, the celebration reflects a shared commitment to cultural heritage, education and the arts.

The day kicks off with an outdoor concert featuring regional talent, including rapper Chris Cade, singer-songwriter Jayla Elise and St. Michaels High School student Ruby Fisher. Spoken word performances by Darlene R. Taylor and Jeffery Boston Weatherford, hosted by Devon Beck, will add powerful reflections on history and identity. DJ Xavier Rahim will provide musical accompaniment throughout the celebration.

Inside the Museum, the exhibition "Kin," featuring poetry and portraits from the young adult novel "Kin: Rooted in Hope" by Carole Boston Weatherford and Jeffery Boston Weatherford, will be on display. A companion exhibit will highlight works from the permanent collection, including pieces by Darlene Taylor, who showcased her mixed-media work in last year’s exhibit "Heirlooms."

The display will also feature a new addition to the museum's permanent collection: "Young Douglass (2004)" by Elizabeth Catlett. Rendered in linocut, Catlett’s preferred medium for printed portraits, "Young Douglass" is based on a widely published but undated photograph of Frederick Douglass and demonstrates her signature graphic style.

The display also includes complementary works by Jacob Lawrence and Faith Ringgold, artists known for reclaiming and reimagining Black history through deeply personal and culturally resonant narratives.

The celebration includes the return of the museum's Juneteenth Essay Contest, encouraging students in grades 7 to 12 to reflect on the meaning of Juneteenth. Three cash prizes will be awarded to different age categories.

For families, a hands-on art project station will offer a creative outlet for everyone. The interactive activity allows families to work together and express themselves through art. Local author Omeaka Jackson, president, CEO and founder of Harvesting Hope Youth and Family Wellness Inc. in Cambridge, will host a story time focusing on children's social and emotional health.

Juneteenth attendees can enjoy a variety of dishes from food trucks including Spanky’s Soul Food and Marcy’s Shaved Ice while browsing vendor booths and nonprofit displays.

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