BlackRock Center for the Arts, providing opportunities to explore, celebrate and engage in the arts, is pleased to host Montgomery County's Juneteenth Celebration, June 18, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM through education, art, dance, and music. This year’s Celebration will mark the first official observance of Juneteenth as both a national and County paid holiday.

The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights, the Human Rights Commission, Friends of the Human Rights Commission, and the County Executive’s African American Advisory Group are coordinating the program in partnership with the BlackRock Center for the Arts, with support from the City of Rockville, and several County departments and services, to commemorate the 157th anniversary of the events of June 19, 1865.

An incredible day of freedom-inspired performances and artists, the event will feature traditional events like the award recognition ceremony and Juneteenth inspired food. This year’s “Journey to Freedom,” will Memorialize the Struggle, Celebrate the Successes, and Secure Justice and equality through education, art, dance, music, and honoring our elders.

New this year, the festivities will include Trail of Knowledge educational passport activities, a historical journey of African American Music and artistic entertainment, and food trucks, all designed for the whole family. Activities will take place throughout BlackRock Center campus as well as at the Germantown Library. Special Guest Rare Essence will perform along with other musical and artistic surprises.

Juneteenth Celebration Event Schedule Includes*:

10:00 AM- DJ Ty

11:00 AM- Crush Funk Brass Band (Outdoor Stage), The MC Dance Company (BlackBox), the Trajectory Dance Project (BlackBox), and the documentary Redeeming Uncle Tom (MainStage)

12:15 PM- Workshop with the Trajectory Dance Project (Dance Studio)

12:30 PM– Langston Hughes II (Outdoor Stage), documentary Summer of Soul (MainStage)

02:00 PM- PANLARA (Outdoor Stage), feature film Soul (MainStage)

02:15 PM- The Ramdance Movement (BlackBox)

03:00 PM- Capitol Movement Dance Company (Outdoor Stage)

03:30 PM- Workshop with Capitol Movement Dance Company (Dance Studio)

04:30 PM- Beat Ya Feet Academy Performance (Outdoor Stage)

04:45 PM- Black Leaves Project (BlackBox)

05:30 PM- Rare Essence (Outdoor Stage)

07:15 PM- Unity Through the Movement Culmination Performance (BlackBox)

08:00 PM- Earth, Wind, & Fire Tribute Band (Outdoor Stage), feature film The Banker (MainStage), feature film Black Panther (MainStage)

08:30 PM- Black Broadway on U (BlackBox)

*In addition to the above schedule, BlackRock will also host artisans and vendors, Juneteenth exhibits, food vendors including Century Boulevard restaurants, and family activities throughout the day. Our exhibit, Alonzo Davis: 20 Years in Maryland will be open to the public for viewing.