Countdown to Juneteenth 2026 with Us!

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Juneteenth is Here
Celebrate with Us!

Juneteenth — Freedom Worth Celebrating All Year Long

Every June 19th, we mark the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in America learned they were free — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth is a day of reflection, joy, and community. And it's one we believe belongs right here in Columbus.

At Black History Month Columbus, our commitment to the Black community doesn't stop on March 1st. Here's how Juneteenth fits into who we are:

  • Black history is year-round. February centers the broader story of Black history and achievement. Juneteenth centers freedom — what it cost, what it means, and what it still calls us toward.

  • Same mission, new moment. We were founded to create momentum for community healing through inspiring and educational experiences — and that work continues every June.

  • Everyone is welcome. Just like our February celebration, Juneteenth is open to all neighbors from all walks of life. We celebrate Black history with you.

Our commitment to Columbus and Bartholomew County is ongoing, not seasonal. Every gathering — whether in February or June — is part of the same effort: to celebrate, preserve, and uplift.

Ways to Celebrate!

Learn & Reflect

  • Read about the history of Juneteenth and the Emancipation Proclamation

  • Visit the Black Heritage Trail in downtown Columbus

  • Explore BHMC's education and history pages

  • Watch a documentary or read a book by a Black author

Gather & Celebrate

  • Attend a local Juneteenth event in Columbus

  • Host a cookout or dinner with family and friends — food has always been central to Juneteenth celebrations

  • Visit a Black-owned restaurant or business from the BHMC directory

  • Attend a worship service or community gathering

Honor the Day

  • Fly or display a Juneteenth flag

  • Share the history of Juneteenth with your kids, neighbors, or coworkers

  • Take a moment of reflection on what freedom means — and what work remains

Give Back

  • Donate to BHMC to support year-round programming

  • Volunteer with a local organization that serves the Black community

  • Support Black-owned businesses in Columbus — not just on Juneteenth, but all year

Connect

  • Follow BHMC on social media and share events with your network

  • Sign up for the BHMC newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events

  • Bring a neighbor or friend who has never attended a BHMC event

“Standing arm-in-arm with our neighbors to live out what we believe — that Black history is American history, that we are stronger together, and that love is our greatest guiding force — means everything to us. And none of this happens without you. Your support, your presence, and your willingness to cry, laugh, eat, dance, and learn with us is what makes this possible. We celebrate Black History "with" you, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.”

— Whittney Wood-Gaines

Presenting Sponsors of BHMC 2026

African Alliance for Pastors Alliance (AAPA)
African American Foundation (AAF)
Bartholomew County Public Library (BCPL)
City of Columbus-Human Rights Commission
Columbus Enrichment Program (CEP) Columbus Propellor

Community Event Partner Organizations

Community Education Coalition (CEC)-Umoja
First Presbyterian Church
Indiana University Columbus
Ivy Tech Community College
Landmark Columbus
NAACP Columbus/Bartholomew

Nexus Park Paths To Success (PTS)
Prisoner Moms of Faith
Stunna’s Meal Prep
BeSpoke Events + Experiences
Turning Point
United Way Bartholomew County