Juneteenth 2026: Celebrate Freedom Day at the Lewis

This Juneteenth, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum invites the community to gather in celebration under the theme “Juneteenth Brings Balance to America’s Celebration of Freedom.” Inspired by our upcoming exhibition “The Lines We Cross,” this dynamic program explores how the story of freedom in America has been shaped by the lines we have drawn—and the ones we continue to cross.

Through history, dialogue, and cultural expression, this celebration reflects on Juneteenth as a powerful moment that helps complete and rebalance the national narrative. By connecting the legacy of emancipation to the ongoing pursuit of equity, the program invites visitors to consider how we each play a role in shaping a more inclusive and truthful understanding of freedom.

Join the Lewis Museum in a myriad of indoor and outdoor Juneteenth Freedom Activities to Include:

• Justice and Reconciliation: Film Screening and Panel Discussion
  This film explores the influential lives of abolitionist Henry Highland Garnet, a Civil War Chaplain and Harvey Johnson, a civil rights pioneer and founder of the Brotherhood of Liberty. Join filmmaker Xavier Frink, Reverend Alvin C. Hathaway Sr., Dr. Ida Jones and Dr. Brian Morrison for a post-film discussion afterwards.
• Youth Engagement: Baltimore Miss Juneteenth Pageant
  Celebrate young Black girls with the Baltimore Miss Juneteenth pageant, a cultural scholarship competition celebrating Black history and heritage. Coordinated by Athena Brown (Little Miss Black USA, Jr. 2025), this local Juneteenth Pageant allows participants to show their pride and community contributions through different categories to include community service, activism, and a live Q&A interview. For more details contact [email protected].
• Musical and Dance Performances
  Enjoy summertime musical concert performances featuring a Richard Smallwood Gospel Tribute by some members of his ensemble group Vision, as well as drumming by Trinidad & Tobago Steel Drum Orchestra and a Juneteenth Jazz Session highlighting the creative influence of jazz from both masters and emerging musicians. Jazz groups performing are The Spence Start Jazz Trio along with Bright Moments Jam Session Presented by Keystone Korner Baltimore led by Obasi Akoto.See the electric footwork of Tap dancer Baakari Wilder (Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk) and international choreographer TSU Terry who specializes in Baltimore Club dance showcasing both unique dance forms expressed in Black culture.
• Artmaking Workshops
  Design a Freedom tote bag with Art with a Heart for all ages while supplies last.
• Living History Reenactments
  Go back in time and meet Maryland female abolitionist Frances Ellen Watkins Harper who was the first African American woman to publish a short story. Short presentations will be presented by FREED: Female RE-Enactors of Distinction.
• Resisting Erasure: Civic Engagement, Education, and the Ongoing Work of Freedom
  Resisting Erasure: Civic Engagement, Education, and the Ongoing Work of Freedom is a Juneteenth reflection on the enduring struggle to preserve history, protect democracy, and expand opportunity. Centered on the enduring strength of community, this address explores how voting, education, and civic engagement serve as acts of resistance against erasure — and why the ongoing work of freedom belongs to every generation.

Food Services from local food vendors will be available for purchase.**