The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) marked Juneteenth with an afternoon of celebration during the fourth annual Juneteenth Jubilee on June 12. Hosted by the Office of Community and Civic Engagement (OCCE), the free, family-friendly event took place outside the Community Engagement Center (CEC) in West Baltimore and featured music, giveaways, food, and activities for all ages. 

Kids gather for a friendly round of giant Connect 4 at the Juneteenth celebration.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865 — the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that all enslaved people were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. At UMB, the jubilee honors that history while creating space for celebration and reflection in the local community. 

“We’re excited to host our fourth jubilee, as it provides the opportunity to honor and learn about Juneteenth while celebrating liberation,” said Danielle Harris, LCSW-C, director of community engagement operations, OCCE. “We strive to create welcoming spaces where neighbors feel valued, informed, and part of something meaningful.” 

Community member Charlotte McGoines, a regular at the CEC, said events like this are part of what makes her proud to live in West Baltimore. “I live in Franklin Square. That’s one of the reasons I’m here — because it’s my community, and they do very nice things here at the CEC,” she said. “They’ve always got something going on, and it’s a great way to connect.” 

Another attendee, Coleman Bay, said the event was meaningful because it showcases the importance of the Juneteenth holiday while bringing the community together. “This is beautiful,” he said. “I appreciate what they’re doing here, and I hope to come back again next year.”   

Check out the photos below for a look at the day’s festive atmosphere.

A young attendee carefully strings beads to make a custom keychain at OCCE’s Juneteenth Jubilee.

People of all ages join in the fun at the keychain-making station, one of several creative activities at this year’s celebration. 

Guests line up at a variety of food trucks during OCCE’s fourth annual Juneteenth Jubilee celebration.

A young participant tests their aim tossing a bean bag at one of several games featured at the event.

Representatives from Black Women Build Baltimore share resources and connect with community members.

Attendees take a quiet break in the shade during the fourth annual Juneteenth Jubilee.

A guest cools off with a colorful snowball, a sweet treat on a warm day at the Juneteenth Jubilee.