On Saturday, June 21, 2025, Montgomery County, in collaboration with local authorities and groups, will hold its 28th annual Juneteenth Celebration at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown. The event will include live performances, food, vendors, and community programming with the theme “Pushing Back.” Freedom Is Still Up for Grabs. As authorities stress the value of conserving and enjoying African American history and culture, the celebrations kick up on June 20 with the African American Living Legends Awards Ceremony, which recognizes locals over 75 for their noteworthy contributions to the county.
According to the press release, the 28th Juneteenth Celebration will take place at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from noon to 10 p.m. Montgomery County, in collaboration with the BlackRock Center for the Arts, the City of Gaithersburg, the City of Rockville, and the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights, is thrilled to announce. The topic for this year, Pushing Back: The Fight for Freedom is Not Over, emphasizes our continued dedication to justice and equality while serving as a reminder that the fight for real freedom is still ongoing.
The 2025 African American Living Legends Awards Ceremony will take place at the BlackRock Center for the Arts at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, to kick off the festivities. This special event, which will be led by County Executive Marc Elrich, will commemorate notable people 75 years of age and older who have significantly impacted the Montgomery County community by their advocacy, service, and commitment. In addition to highlighting the significance of remembering our history as we strive toward a shared future of equality and justice, this honoring of exceptional people who exemplify the spirit of tenacity and dedication will set the tone for the Juneteenth celebrations. African American Living Legends Awards has further details on the ceremony and the awardees.
According to County Executive Marc Elrich, Juneteenth is a significant day to observe and commemorate. It is natural and right that we honor our African American Living Legends during this occasion. These honors are given to leaders who have never sought praise. They merely sought to enhance our town and mold its cultural legacy. I’m happy that Juneteenth gives us a chance to honor them and their contributions. The Juneteenth celebrations in our county demonstrate our dedication to inclusion, equity, and diversity.
Montgomery County and the BlackRock Center for the Arts, a thriving center that exemplifies the spirit of inclusiveness and diversity, are co-hosting Juneteenth. For the past 27 years, BlackRock, which is situated in the center of Germantown, the most diverse neighborhood in the country, has played a key role in commemorating this important date. “We are so honored to once again join forces with Montgomery County for this significant celebration of Juneteenth,” says Kelly Chauncey, the artistic director, who has carefully selected interesting programming for the day. Given the amazing diversity that characterizes Germantown and Montgomery County, this event has particular significance for our community. Our programming exudes a positive vibe and acts as a rallying cry, urging everyone to unite, commemorate our common past, and value the diverse range of voices that define our community.
The festival this year is expected to be a free, family-friendly occasion that is full of fun and camaraderie, featuring:
Live performances and concerts honoring African American history and culture by gifted local performers.
a vibrant artisans market that highlights the diversity and inventiveness of our community by offering one-of-a-kind handcrafted goods from regional producers.
a wide selection of delectable dishes from neighborhood merchants honoring the variety of culinary customs.
captivating speeches and performances that promote introspection and dialogue regarding the importance of Juneteenth and the continuous struggle for liberty.
According to the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights’ Director This year’s Juneteenth celebration is maybe more significant than any previous one.as the African American community’s history is being lost
To guarantee that the truth and accurate history of the African American community endure, we must take advantage of every chance presented by this nation’s numerous landmarks and important events. All of our diverse community has a great opportunity to think, learn, and celebrate during Juneteenth. Retaliate; the struggle for liberty is far from over.
Come celebrate Juneteenth with us by spending a memorable day of music, art, and solidarity with your loved ones. Together, let’s pay tribute to the past while anticipating a time when everyone will experience justice and freedom.
Visit the BlackRock Center for the Arts at BlackRock Center for the Arts Juneteenth for additional information about the Juneteenth event and programming details. Click here to sign up for a free RSVP and enter to win tickets to a future BlackRock event.