Each year, Juneteenth celebrations across the country mark the anniversary of African Americans’ emancipation from enslavement, and honor the ratification of the 13th Amendment. This is also a day to consider how the effects of slavery continue to impact America today.
Howard County is proud to celebrate freedom and reflection on this special day with a variety of events, museums, and black-owned businesses for you to support.
Juneteenth Events in Howard County
Juneteenth Celebration at Carroll Baldwin Hall
Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Carroll Baldwin Hall
Location: Carroll Baldwin Hall
Date: Wednesday, June 19th at 5PM - 9PM
Juneteenth is a day for education, inspiration, and celebration. Pack a picnic and meet at Baldwin Common, adjacent to Carroll Baldwin Hall for a family- friendly evening of educational activities and inspirational music, where you’ll be guided through the many incredible contributions that the Black / African-American Community has made to our society. This event is organized by Leona's Sewing Studio and Carroll Baldwin Hall with the support from many community businesses and volunteers.
Juneteenth Block Party at Lakefront Live
Location: Columbia Lakefront
Date: Wednesday, June 19th
Come celebrate freedom with a high energy block party as part of the 2024 Lakefront Live summer events hosted by The Columbia Association. This rocking Juneteenth block party organized in partnership with The 3rd, MACC, Downtown Columbia Partnership and Howard Hughes will be featuring DuPont Brass and a full day of fun for everyone!
A Juneteenth Concert
Location: St. John Baptist Church
Date: Wednesday, June 19th at 2- 3:30PM
The Howard County Center of African American Culture & The Denyce Graves Foundation bring to you a special Juneteenth concert celebrating African American composers and performers. The musical performance is from 2:00PM - 3:30PM, with a meet and greet portion from 3:30PM - 5:00PM at the St. John Baptist Church in Columbia, Maryland.
Songs of Freedom: Journey Along the Underground Railroad
Location: Carroll Baldwin Hall
Date: Thursday, June 20th at 7PM - 8:30PM
Journey along the Underground Railroad and watch the historical story of Harriet Tubman come to life with music and storytelling. This memorable event is presented by the Savage Branch of the Howard County Library System, in partnership with Carroll Baldwin Hall, Savage's community center.
Juneteenth Retreat at Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center
Location: Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center
Date: Saturday, June 22nd at 9:30AM - 4:00PM
Every year on June 19th since 1865 when the emancipation order was first announced, celebrations have continued in remembrance of freedom from slavery. The celebrations became known as Juneteenth. But is that the whole story of Juneteenth? Join Dr. Renee K. Harrison at Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center for a day filled with story-telling and sharing, self-reflection, silent walking meditations, and celebration.
Black Owned Businesses in Howard County
Explore some of the unique options and experiences you can only find at a favorite African American establishment. Here's a growing list of Black owned retail businesses & restaurants in HoCo.
Tapville Social at The Mall in Columbia
Tapville Social
Located in The Mall in Columbia, a stop at Tapville Social is the perfect way to make your shopping experience more pleasurable and experiential. Enjoy an extensive list of craft libations from its unique self-pour taps that include rotating varieties of craft beer, wine and hand-crafted cocktails.
R&L Crab Columbia
Get into the state spirit with R&L Crab Columbia and their delicious beer steamed crab and seafood. This popular establishment offers delivery and pick-up options in Columbia, Maryland.
Sparkling Diamond Event Center
Sparkling Diamond Event and Conference Center is a beautiful and cozy event center where all types of celebrations are brought to life. Centered on bringing value and sparkle to all of your special events, meetings, and conferences, their facilities ensure a memorable experience.
LaRaydiance Wellness Spa Boutique
Find an intimate and incredibly relaxing wellness Spa Boutique right here in Howard County with LaRaydiance Wellness. Through their calming services, they focus on healing the skin by addressing the root causes of any conditions and offering holistic treatment options.
Boyd Cru Wines
Boyd Cru Wines is a family owned wine company that aims to make wines accessible to those who have been underrepresented and historically marginalized when it comes to the wine industry. They believe in helping consumers, especially new wine drinkers, discover what they like without being told what they should like. Expect to experiment by pairing wine with art, music, moods and moments.
Pink Diamond Studios
Treat yourself to a day of pampering with The Pink Diamond Studio and leave your skin glowing. Their studio features serene services like relaxing hand and lip treatments, facials, microdermabrasion facials, charcoal mask detox facials, foundation matching and even makeovers!
Althea's Almost Famous Wings & Jerk Sauces
Althea's Almost Famous
Althea's Kitchen's products are inspired by the lively people and flavorful tastes of Jamaica. They deliver food from a local food truck, provide specialized event catering, and offer an online shop where customers are able to purchase their amazing Jerk Sauces, over 10 flavors of fresh juices, authentic Jamaican Patties, and wildcrafted Sea Moss Gel.
Historic Sites & Museums in Howard County
This Juneteenth in Howard County, consider visiting one of the historical landmarks and museums in the area to learn more about African Americans history in our region and the importance of this celebration.
Museum of Howard County History
Howard County Center of African American Culture
The Howard County Center of African American Culture curates a rich treasure trove of historical artifacts, memorabilia and educational resources, that tell the incredible story of the African American experience and contributions in Howard County and throughout the state of Maryland. Currently they have 3 featured educational exhibits:
- The Underground Railroad
- The Civil Rights Movements
- The African Disapora Exhibit
Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum
The Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum is a 142-acre site dedicated to telling the inspiring story of the life and times of Benjamin Banneker, who is often considered the first African American man of science. The museum’s exhibits chronicle Banneker’s contributions as a self-taught mathematician, astronomer, almanac writer, surveyor, abolition advocate and naturalist during the late 1700s. Programs are focused on Banneker’s life and his relationship to the land he inhabited.
Harriet Tubman Cultural Center
Harriet Tubman Cultural Center
In 1949 The Harriet Tubman School opened as Howard County’s only all-black high school until it was closed in 1965 after desegregation. The building and surrounding property now stand as a historic and educational center. The Harriet Tubman Cultural Center is a proud celebration and commemoration to the impact of African American history in Howard County and beyond.
However you celebrate this special day, be sure to remember the importance of Juneteenth and the celebrations it brings. Whether it's a festival or event, an educational tour, or simply a gathering with friends, let's mark this day with reflection and unity. Join us in honoring the past, celebrating the present, and working towards a future of equality for all.
