A Juneteenth Celebration
This Juneteenth, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights invites visitors to a powerful celebration honoring freedom, community, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.
Commemorating June 19, 1865, the day freedom reached the last enslaved Africans in the United States, the weekend will feature live performances, family activities, storytelling, and conversations that connect the legacy of emancipation to the world we live in today.
Our Partnership with History Made By Us
The Center is partnering with History Made By Us and participating in their flagship initiative – Civic Season. Civic Season is designed to engage young adults in U.S. history and civic participation from Juneteenth through July 4. This initiative unites Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery, with Independence Day, celebrating the founding of the nation. During that time, the program aims to build civic skills through interactive activities, quizzes, and community engagement; and to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment by connecting participants with credible historical sources and cultural institutions.
The Center is participating in the following elements of Civic Season:
Slice of History
In partnership with the National Women’s History Museum, the Center is hosting an immersive evening experience designed for young adults. Slice of History blends learning and social connection through trivia-style engagement, facilitated conversation, and pizza. Throughout the evening guests explore key moments in Black history and their relevance today.
Wish Wall: Hope for the Future
As part of the national Wish Walls for America’s 250th initiative, guests are invited to share their dreams, hopes, and commitments for the future of our democracy on the Center’s Wish Wall during their visit. Together, our wishes create a collective portrait of where we hope to go.
National Youth Take Charge Day
National Youth Take Charge Day is a Civic Season social media activation that centers on teens and young people who are initiating change in their communities. Through digital storytelling, youth voices lead the conversation about how to make a difference.
JUNETEENTH Line-Up
Friday, June 19, 2026
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: A Juneteenth Celebration
Explore exhibitions, family-friendly activities, crafts, and story sessions centered on the history and meaning of Juneteenth.
Featured Book: Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper
12:00 PM: Giwayen Mata Performance
Experience a vibrant cultural performance by Giwayen Mata, honoring African and African American traditions through music and movement.
6:00 – 9:00 PM: Slice of History
A Civic Season evening experience for young adults featuring interactive learning, food, and community hosted at the Center in partnership with the National Women’s History Museum.