The Eastern Shore Celebrates Juneteenth
While many see July 4, 1776 as the day the United States declared independence, it did not mean freedom or independence for all Americans. For nearly another century, countless African Americans were deprived of their freedom through the institution of slavery which remained legal on a large scale in the United States until the passage of the 13th Amendment. Even then, loopholes and discrimination on the basis of skin color continued to curb the freedoms promised to all Americans under the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.
Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19th, commemorates the day in 1865 that enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas received news of their emancipation; over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed enslaved African Americans in Confederate territory. Celebrations of this holiday began the following year and have continued across the United States, marking it one of the oldest celebrations of emancipation.
Juneteenth offers an opportunity to reflect upon the nation's complex history, reconcile with the fact that independence did not apply to all in 1776, and acknowledge the continued struggle of the African American community to obtain the same freedoms, opportunities, and liberties promised to all Americans as well as their contributions to American history.
Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19th, commemorates the day in 1865 that enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas received news of their emancipation; over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed enslaved African Americans in Confederate territory. Celebrations of this holiday began the following year and have continued across the United States, marking it one of the oldest celebrations of emancipation.
Juneteenth offers an opportunity to reflect upon the nation's complex history, reconcile with the fact that independence did not apply to all in 1776, and acknowledge the continued struggle of the African American community to obtain the same freedoms, opportunities, and liberties promised to all Americans as well as their contributions to American history.
Celebrations on the Lower Eastern Shore:
Snow Hill 6th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Walk & Celebration | June 13, 2026. 8:00am - 4:00pm
- Byrd Park, 400 Dighton Ave, Snow Hill, MD 21863
- Join the African American Heritage Society of Snow Hill and Surrounding Areas in honoring Black educators and freedom
- Freedom Walk through historic Snow Hill starting at 8am
- Community Celebration at Byrd Park from 11am to 4pm
Sturgis One Room School Museum Open Mic Night| June 18, 2026. 6:30pm
- Pocomoke Library, 401 5th Street (Old Fire Hall), Pocomoke, MD
- Join Sturgis One Room School Museum at the Pocomoke Library 401 5th Street (Old Fire Hall) for an Open Mic Night hosted by Sharnell Tull a.k.a. Sista Big.
- They are seeking all talents, singers, poets, or spoken word. Come showcase your talent.
- Lite refreshments and door prizes available.
- Learn more.
Juneteenth on the Shore Community 5k | June 19, 2026. 10:00am
- Salisbury City Park Bandstand, Snow Hill Road & S. Park Drive
- Bringing the community together, kids, families, walkers, and runners, for a morning of movement in celebration of freedom, gathering at the Salisbury City Park Bandstand
- This Community 5K invites you to move with intention, whether you walk or run, alongside others through a shared experience rooted in culture, reflection, and connection.
- This is a community-centered 5K experience designed for all levels. Move at your own pace, whether you’re walking or running, while enjoying a professionally timed course.
- Learn more and register.
Downtown Princess Anne 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration | June 19, 2026. 12:00pm - 4:00pm
- Downtown Princess Anne
- Come see a parade and performers.
- Learn about local history and the significance of Juneteenth in a free and family friendly event.
- Learn more.
Sturgis One Room School Museum 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration| June 20, 2026. 12:00pm - 4:00pm
- Sturgis One Room School, 209 Willow Street, Pocomoke, MD
- Everyone is invited to enjoy free food, tours of the Sturgis Museum, door prizes, DJ, live performances, a bounce house for the kids, face painting, and countless sidewalk vendors.
- Sidewalk vendors include food trucks, baked goods, community resources, jewelry, apparel, sunglasses, and more.
- Come out, enjoy the festivities, and stop by the local Downtown Pocomoke businesses during your visit.
- Learn more.
9th Annual Eastern Shore Juneteenth Parade & Festival | June 20, 2026. 3:00pm - 7:00pm
- Downtown Salisbury
- Eastern Shore Juneteenth seeks to bring the spirit and impact of Juneteenth back to the lower Eastern Shore.
- Bring the family out on Saturday, June 20th from 3-7 PM for food, fun, culture, and more!
- Learn more.
More on the Fight for Freedom
Enslaved Americans did not wait to be given their freedom and many made the decision to take it for themselves, even if it cost them their lives. In the years before the American Civil War, many made the brave and dangerous decision of liberating themselves by escaping. Many know of the Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman, but the network had origins dating back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. During the War of 1812, between 4,000 - 5,000 African Americans fled to the British during the war when offered freedom in exchange for military service. Many African Americans, enslaved and free, also fought valiantly on the American side of the war, despite not initially being officially welcomed in the military.
Around 700 had escaped from Maryland during the war. In Somerset County, the waterways of the region were used to the advantage of those seeking freedom and allowed them to escape to the British vessel the HMS Jaseur on canoes. Fears of escapees grew concerning enough that an order was issued to gather canoes in centralized locations to be guarded by the militia so that they could not be used by escaping African Americans. However, this did little to deter freedom seekers and angered many watermen who depended on their canoes to traverse the network of waterways on the Lower Shore. Read More.
Around 700 had escaped from Maryland during the war. In Somerset County, the waterways of the region were used to the advantage of those seeking freedom and allowed them to escape to the British vessel the HMS Jaseur on canoes. Fears of escapees grew concerning enough that an order was issued to gather canoes in centralized locations to be guarded by the militia so that they could not be used by escaping African Americans. However, this did little to deter freedom seekers and angered many watermen who depended on their canoes to traverse the network of waterways on the Lower Shore. Read More.
Even after chattel slavery was abolished by the 13th Amendment (with a major caveat that was immediately exploited) in 1868, African Americans faced roadblocks on their path to freedom. Despite these obstacles, they have continuously found ways to overcome. In doing so, they laid the foundation for the next generations to build upon and have contributed to American and Maryland history in significant ways.
