Per the City of Rockville:
The City of Rockville will join Montgomery County to celebrate Juneteenth at a special event featuring live music, food, art, films and awards from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday, June 19 at the BlackRock Center for the Arts, at 12901 Town Commons Drive in Germantown. The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights and the county executive’s African-American Advisory Group coordinate the program, which also features the African American Living Legend Awards honoring county residents who have helped shape the cultural heritage of the African American community. Look for a City of Rockville table and city representatives at the celebration. Find details, as they become available, at www.rockvillemd.gov/Juneteenth.
The holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when the Union army arrived in Texas bearing federal orders proclaiming the end of slavery. In July 2020, the Mayor and Council approved a resolution making Rockville the first municipality in Maryland to recognize Juneteenth as a paid city holiday.
In 2021, the Montgomery County Council issued the following statement regarding Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday:
“The Council commends President Biden and Congress for designating Juneteenth as a national holiday. While Montgomery County has been commemorating Juneteenth in our community for many years, recognizing the significance of June 19, 1865, at the federal level formally acknowledges the inhumanity and immorality of slavery across our nation and serves as a reminder of the continued fight for racial equity and social justice.
“Our country’s history of slavery established the foundation for hundreds of years of discrimination, financial inequity, health disparities and systemic racism for African Americans in the United States that continues to this day. While we are encouraged that Juneteenth is a new federal holiday, we also know there is much more work to do.
“We hope this new federal holiday will inspire Montgomery County residents to learn more about Juneteenth and to work toward creating a more equitable and just society.”
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FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you’re an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
