Friday, June 19, 2026
Juneteenth Events Across Virginia
Church family, as we continue preparing for the 250th Anniversary of The Historic First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, we invite you to learn about and support Juneteenth and VA250 events taking place across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
About Juneteenth
The Promise of Freedom
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing enslaved people effective January of 1863.
The News Reaches Texas
But it was not until two years later, on June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas, with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. After this, more than 250,000 enslaved people across Texas learned that they were finally free.
A Continuing Celebration
The celebration of June 19 was coined “Juneteenth” and grew with more participation from descendants as they treated the day as their Independence Day, according to the Texas State Library. It spread to other states and has been celebrated every year since.
Special Events on Juneteenth
African American Heritage Trail Soft Launch
Celebrate the soft launch of the African American Heritage Trail, a community-centered project sharing Williamsburg’s fuller story through faith, education, resilience, family, community, and freedom.
Developed with local input and approved by Williamsburg City Council in December 2024, the trail will include markers at key sites, including The Historic First Baptist Church and the Sankofa Bird Statue at William & Mary.
African Baptist Meeting House Groundbreaking
The public is invited to join the Let Freedom Ring Foundation and The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation for the groundbreaking of the African Baptist Meeting House at the original permanent location of The Historic First Baptist Church.
Faith leaders will honor the ancestors at their permanent resting place. The African Baptist Meeting House and Burial Ground will open to the public in 2026 for the church’s 250th anniversary.
Event Recognition
Colonial Williamsburg | Let Freedom Ring Foundation | City of Williamsburg
Credit / Recognition: Hosted by Colonial Williamsburg in partnership with the Let Freedom Ring Foundation and in collaboration with the City of Williamsburg.
Featured Local Events
Williamsburg-Area Juneteenth Events
Sneak Peek – Dr. Ernest C. Withers Collection
A special exhibit opportunity connected to Civil Rights history and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1962 visit to Historic First Baptist Church.
Freedom Song Sing-along
An interactive program with Dr. Kathy Bullock exploring songs of slavery, emancipation, memory, and freedom.
Staged Reading: A Gathering of Hair
A staged reading centering Black women’s lives, community, relationships, and lived experiences.
5th Annual Journey to Racial Healing Ceremony
A meaningful gathering focused on healing, remembrance, reflection, and community connection.
Juneteenth Sunrise Service
A worshipful sunrise gathering commemorating the triumphant spirit of the African American journey.