Organizers of Kensington’s 5th annual Juneteenth event hope this year’s event will do more than entertain attendees. They want it to spark conversations about the history and meaning of the holiday.
Retired U.S. Army JAG combat veteran and founder of the event Jamie Boston says he wants to alter the narrative around the celebration of Juneteenth, which officially became a federal holiday in the United States in 2021.
“We’re not going to run away from why Juneteenth exists,” Boston said. “I don’t want this to be another holiday where people have a good time, get the day off and then that’s it. I want them to reflect or understand what it’s really about.”
Historical reenactors participate in Kensington’s fourth annual Juneteenth celebration in 2025.
The origins of Juneteenth date to June 1865 when formerly enslaved people in the western most steate held by the Confederate soldiers finally got word they had been freed by 1863’s Emancipation Proclamation. History recorded the freedom news as happening around June 19, 1865. Since then, the day came to be known as “Juneteenth,” according to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Five years ago, Boston hosted his inaugural event, which was smaller than what’s planned for 2026, in hopes of educating his daughters without minimizing Juneteenth’s historic impact.
“I realized as a Black dad, it was important that we take responsibility for the education of our kids,” Boston said.
Jamie Boston (middle) and group pose with official event recognition by local government.
With increased community support over the years, Boston has expanded the celebration. Last year, around 4,000 people attended.
By hosting this event, Boston aims to encourage intentional dialogue between community members.
“Hopefully you’ll leave there meeting somebody new,” Boston said. “Maybe having some difficult conversations that will hopefully make us all better and build our community, our state, and even globally.”
Kensington’s 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, June 13 from 12-4 p.m. at St. Paul Park, located at 10564 St. Paul Street in Kensington, Marlyand. The rain date Sunday, June 14, 2026.
More information about the event is available at: www.kensingtonjuneteenth.com
