Juneteenth Celebration

Opening Ceremony 

Welcome - Mayor Catherine Read 

Greetings - Local Dignitaries 

Invocation and Moment of Silence - Elder Kahial Smith, Youth & Young Adult Pastor, Providence Transformation Church International (Baptist)

National Anthem - D.C. Washington, Vocalist 

Black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice" - Susan Kellum, Vocalist 

Importance of Juneteenth - Marion Dobbins, Historian & Ethnographer

Tribute: "Juneteenth Brings Balance to America’s Celebration of Freedom" - Krysta Jones, Community Member

Presentation of the Juneteenth Celebration "Legacy of Freedom" Award - Amini Bonane, Juneteenth Celebration Committee Member

Closing and Thanks - Bobby Lacy II, Emcee

Benediction and Thanksgiving - Elder Kahial Smith, Youth & Young Adult Pastor, Providence Transformation Church International (Baptist)

Live Performances by: 

Tobago Band, Steel Drums

Eric Kellum, Spoken Word Poet 

Ni Dembaya African Drumming and Dance Ensemble 

Bobby Lacy II, Vocalist and Spoken Word Poet

Vendors 

• City of Fairfax Office of Historic Resources
• Eric Kellum, Spoken Word Poet 
• Marion Dobbins, Historian & Ethnographer
• Refreshments provided by Little Sweet House Bakery

Activities 

• Children's Crafts - Free! 
• Balloon Artist - Free! 

The “Legacy of Freedom” Award recognizes individuals whose leadership, service, and impact embody the enduring spirit and values of Juneteenth. Honorees demonstrate a sustained commitment to advancing freedom, equity, and opportunity while uplifting the Black community and strengthening civic life in Fairfax City. We honor their exceptional contributions to preserving, promoting, and advancing the “Legacy of Freedom” and resilience in American society.

Deadline for Submissions: MAY 1, 2026

Nominee Criteria:

• Must work or live in the City of Fairfax
• Contributions must mainly benefit the City of Fairfax

All submissions will be reviewed by the Juneteenth Celebration Committee, and the selected candidate will be invited to attend the Juneteenth Celebration to receive their award. 

Click here to view form.

Find other Juneteenth events and happenings in the area! 

Town of Herndon

• Friday, June 19
• 10:30am
• Town Hall Green - 730 Elden St., Herndon 

Learn, honor, and celebrate Juneteenth and Herndon's early African American community. Explore the vital roles of school and church in the Oak Grove community— and discover how those traditions of connection and resilience continue to shape our community today.

Town of Herndon Event Flyer