Montgomery County proclaims June 19, 2026 Juneteenth; leaders call for continued action on racial equity

Montgomery County officials and community leaders gathered June 16 to mark Juneteenth, read a county proclamation declaring June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth in Montgomery County and urge continued efforts to address racial inequities.

A council member opened with a historical account of June 19, 1865 and cautioned that freedom was not immediate or complete. The council member said, “When freedom did come that day, it wasn't fully free,” and cited local racial disparities, saying ‘‘black men like me make up 14% of the state but 73% of those incarcerated.’’ The speaker framed Juneteenth as both celebration and a call to ongoing civic work.

Council Member Sos welcomed attendees, outlined several local Juneteenth events and reflected on the holiday’s civic importance. Sos noted it is the first time in county history that three African‑American council members are serving at the same time and urged residents to use the observance to press for progress.

Community organizers used the gathering to advertise local programming. Leticia Gasaway Paul, representing the Scotland community and area congregations, invited residents to a family carnival at Cabin John Regional Park on June 19 at 9:00 a.m. and encouraged attendance, saying the event will welcome Governor Westmore and members of the Montgomery County Council. The county’s African‑American community liaison, Frederick Hawkins, said Juneteenth ‘‘is more than a celebration’’ and called memory and community an act of resistance.

Reverend Jim Stowe, joined by staff from the Office of Human Rights and the Commission on Human Rights, urged attendees to learn the deeper history behind the holiday, including the posting of General Order No. 3 in Galveston in 1865. Stowe emphasized both the celebratory and educational aspects of Juneteenth, encouraging residents to ‘‘dig a little deeper’’ into the holiday’s symbolism and legacy.

The county read a formal proclamation that summarized Juneteenth’s national history — referencing General Order No. 3, the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment — and noted that more than 250,000 formerly enslaved Texans heard the June 1865 announcement. The text also referenced the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and cited the county’s more than 200,000 Black residents. The proclamation states: "Now therefore be it resolved that Mark Elrich as county executive and the entire county council of Montgomery County, Maryland hereby proclaim June 19th, 2026 as Juneteenth in Montgomery County." The proclamation was read aloud during the session; the transcript does not record a roll‑call vote or further procedural action.

Organizers and county staff listed local sites and events for Juneteenth observances across Montgomery County, including gatherings in Kensington, Cabin John and at the Black Rock Center for the Arts. The county encouraged residents to attend community celebrations throughout the weekend.

The session closed after applause and music; the proclamation was presented on June 16, 2026, and county leaders said local Juneteenth programming will continue on June 19.