ST. LEONARD, Md. — On Saturday, June 14, the pavilion at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in Calvert County was buzzing with activity. The Calvert branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) organized an early Juneteenth festival to celebrate the history of Black Americans and commemorate their accomplishments.
The skies were clear and the weather warm for Calvert’s Juneteenth festival. A crowd of all ages had turned out to enjoy live music, local vendors and a talent show. Organizations in attendance included the Calvert Health Department, Calvert County Democrats, Calvert Library, the League of Women Voters of Calvert County, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
These organizations, along with other local businesses and nonprofits, had come together to celebrate Juneteenth. This holiday, which is on June 19, celebrates the date in 1865 when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger ordered the enforcement of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation across the remaining states that had failed to liberate their Black residents. Juneteenth has been honored as an important holiday in Texas since 1939, but wasn’t officially celebrated nationwide until 2021, when the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act and made June 19 a federal holiday.
In addition to commemorating the liberation of Black Americans from the yoke of slavery, many take time around Juneteenth to reflect on the accomplishments of Black artists, scientists, leaders and activists who helped make America and the world a better place.
Ahead of June 19, 2025, the pavilion at Jefferson Patterson Park rocked with music by Obsession, ATOM and Jaisha Ware Moyer. Hungry attendees stopped at trucks and stalls for Mrs. Moo’s Corner, Kelly’s Kickin Cuisine and Fatbacks Meats & Seafood. People seemed to be in high spirits as they enjoyed the shade or explored the vendors’ stalls.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
