FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 8, 2021
Program Contact: Dr. Dennis Doster, 240-264-3415
Media Contact: Angel Waldron, 301-446-3311
Juneteenth Hybrid Festival Announced by M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation,
Prince George’s County
Riverdale, MD – The Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County, part of the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is pleased to announce its 2021 event schedule for Juneteenth: the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Marking the date that the last enslaved people learned of their freedom, the month of June and the nineteenth day were combined to form the word Juneteenth.
From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Juneteenth is an official holiday recognized in over 43 states and the District of Columbia. As a part of the Department’s ongoing mission to provide exciting and unique cultural programming to county residents, the Juneteenth Hybrid Festival is a must-attend event for the young and young at heart. 2021 virtual and in-person activities include:
- June 14 – 19 (Virtual) - Art Exhibition: Andi Cullins (Fiber Artist)
- June 17, 7 – 8:30pm (Virtual) - Panel Discussion: Finding the Path to Healing - Addressing Historical Trauma and the Black Experience
- June 18, 5 – 7pm (IN PERSON) - Juneteenth Celebration Kits Handout Drive-through. Juneteenth celebration kits for individuals to take home and plan their own celebrations. Kits include games, activity books, and historical information on Juneteenth. Limit of 2 Kits per vehicle. Drive-through locations are Montpelier Arts Center, Ridgeley Rosenwald School, and Oxon Hill Manor.
- June 19, 10am – 3pm (Virtual) - Footprints and Roots: Organized by the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Prince George’s County Chapter. Keynote Speaker is Professor Dale Green, School of Architecture and Planning (Historic Preservation), Morgan State University.
- June 19, 1 – 3pm (Virtual) - Juneteenth DJ Battle. Livestream event will feature DJ 2Tone Jones and DJ Miss H.E.R.
- June 19, 1 – 3pm (IN PERSON) - Juneteenth Mini Celebrations. These small in-person celebrations will include music, history activities, and arts activities. Celebrations will include stepping workshops led by Step Afrika! and art activities led by Creative Suitland and Words Beats & Life. Venues are Montpelier Arts Center, Ridgeley Rosenwald School, and Oxon Hill Manor.
To learn more and register, visit http://www.pgparks.com/Juneteenth.
About the Department
The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation delivers an award-winning park system through progressive, innovative leadership and a commitment to the community and the environment in Prince George’s County. For more on the Department of Parks and Recreation, visit www.pgparks.com and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, PhotoShelter, and Instagram. The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities in all programs and services. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation.
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