The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture is preparing a wide-ranging Juneteenth observance that will blend history, art, music, food and community engagement as the nation commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

At the center of this year’s celebration is the museum’s annual Juneteenth Community Day on Friday, June 19, which will honor Juneteenth activist Opal Lee ahead of her 100th birthday later this year. Often recognized as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” Lee played a major role in the movement that led to Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday in 2021.

The free, family-friendly event will feature storytelling, music, educational programming, art activities and culinary experiences designed to celebrate freedom and African American heritage while encouraging reflection across generations.

Programming for the day includes NMAAHC Kids Juneteenth Story Time, where children ages 3 to 8 will hear a reading of Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth and participate in an art activity centered on freedom and remembrance. Visitors will also be able to take part in “The Juneteenth Cookout Playbook,” an interactive workshop exploring the traditions and cultural significance of Juneteenth cookouts inspired by Lee’s favorite foods and memories.

Additional activities include a Juneteenth-themed art-making session focused on the symbolic meaning of the color red, as well as a Juneteenth Soundstage featuring line dancing and Go-Go music performances in the museum’s Heritage Hall.

The museum store will also feature a curated collection of Juneteenth-themed books and apparel, including works centered on Lee’s activism and legacy. Featured titles include A Committee of One: How Faith + Action = A PurposeFULL Life, First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth, Juneteenth: A Children’s Story and Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free.

As part of its broader Juneteenth observance, the museum will debut two new exhibitions on June 12: Revelation: A Journey into Abstraction and Reset: Abstraction Embodied in Design. The exhibitions examine the role of abstraction in African American artistic expression through painting, sculpture, printmaking, furniture, textiles and lighting design.

A companion publication, Revelation: A Journey into Abstraction, edited by Dr. Michelle D. Commander and published by Rizzoli Electa, is now available through the museum store and online.

Throughout Juneteenth week and into the summer, the museum will continue offering public talks, workshops, performances and virtual programming exploring the ongoing significance of Black freedom and cultural expression. The institution will also participate in the Smithsonian’s annual Summer Solstice celebration on June 20 across the National Mall in Washington.

Visitors can also experience Juneteenth through food at the museum’s Sweet Home Café, which will feature a special menu inspired by African American culinary traditions.

In addition to its on-site programming, the museum continues to provide national educational resources through its Juneteenth digital toolkit and website, offering historical context, primary source materials and classroom resources for educators, families and community organizations nationwide.

Since opening in 2016 on the National Mall, the museum has welcomed more than 13 million visitors and has expanded its digital reach through online initiatives including the Searchable Museum portal and other educational platforms.

More information about Juneteenth events, exhibitions and educational resources is available at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.