06/19/2026
WOW—WHAT AN AMAZING START TO THE SCOTLAND JUNETEENTH HERITAGE FESTIVAL! ✊🏾❤️💚🖤
The celebration began with our Opening Night on Saturday, June 13, and it still has not ended! The festivities will continue until approximately 10:00 or 10:30 tonight, concluding with a spectacular fireworks display—the only Juneteenth fireworks display in Montgomery County! Or maybe even Maryland!
I must say that every year, the Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival gets bigger and better! As I said after the very first festival: If you missed it this year, you have got to be there next year!
Our weeklong celebration began on Saturday, June 13, with an unforgettable Opening Night featuring the legendary Hezekiah Walker and the Howard University Choir.
On Sunday, June 14, we gathered for a powerful worship service featuring guest speaker Dr. John Paul McGee, with reflections from Rabbi Michael Sara, Rabbi Evan, and Dr. Evalina Huggins. We were also blessed with performances by the Scotland Community Choir, Beth El Chamber Chorale High School Group, and Black Pearl Dance Theater.
On June 15, we laughed together during the Interfaith Comedy Show.
On June 16, our young people participated in the Football Clinic.
On June 17, we held an exciting Cheer Clinic hosted by Bowie State University.
On June 18, we enjoyed the Basketball Clinic hosted by our very own Eric Smith.
Then came June 19—the day we had all been waiting for! The Juneteenth Festival began with a powerful Opening Ceremony at Cabin John Regional Park, setting the tone for a day rooted in history, reflection, freedom, progress, and celebration.
We heard from the Gassaway Sisters, Montgomery County candidates, elected officials, community leaders, and supporters. We were especially honored to welcome Maryland Governor Wes Moore as the keynote speaker! His presence added even more meaning to an already powerful and historic day.
This was a fantastic tribute to Juneteenth and everything this important day represents—a wonderful celebration of our history, our freedom, our progress, and our community!
It was also a beautiful continuation of the spirit of history, hope, and legacy represented by Barack and Michelle Obama and the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
I have said it before, and I will say it again: If you missed the Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival this year, you do not want to miss it next year
