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The Y For All – Celebrating Juneteenth Together

At the Y, we celebrate this powerful moment in our nation’s history together and honor the enslaved individuals who suffered for so many years. As we remember, we encourage you to join us in taking social responsibility in our communities. We can be the change together and forge a brighter future for ourselves, our youth, our neighbors, and everyone in between. Find out how you can celebrate freedom this Juneteenth with us below!

Celebrate With Us!

All YMCA of Delaware locations will be open to the community, June 19th for free! Check the list below for activities by location. *Excludes outdoor pools. 

  • Walnut Street YMCA – Saturday, June 20th
    Join the Walnut Street Y from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for our Juneteenth Block Party! The event is free and open to the community and will feature live performances, a DJ, local vendors, family activities, pool access, and other community engagement opportunities. We are also currently accepting vendors and performers.
  • Central YMCA – Friday, June 19th
    Join the Central YMCA for self-guided games in the small gymnasium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community members will have the opportunity to take part in fun games like Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four, Cornhole, and more!
  • Bear-Glasgow Family YMCA – Friday, June 19th
    Bring a friend for FREE to enjoy our indoor amenities! Don’t miss our Juneteenth Outdoor Celebration from 3 – 6 p.m. featuring:

    • Arts & Crafts
    • Music
    • Food trucks
    • Inflatables
    • Yard games
    • And so much more!

Registration required – click here to register!

  • Middletown Family YMCA – Friday, June 19th
    Join us for a special Hip Hop Fitness Class from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the gym as we celebrate Juneteenth through movement, music, and community! This high-energy event will feature fun workouts, great vibes, and music that will keep you moving.
  • Brandywine YMCA – Friday, June 19th
    Join the Brandywine YMCA as we open our doors to the community with a day full of celebration featuring:
    • Juneteenth Themed Music Zumba class at 9:30 a.m. – Studio B
    • Open Swim | South Pool 12 – 2 p.m.
    • Crafts and Friendship Bracelets in the Lobby 2 – 4 pm
    • Juneteenth Themed Music Extreme Hip Hop Step from 5:10 – 5:55 p.m.
  • Western Family YMCA  – Friday, June 19th

    Join us on Juneteenth for a day of movement, music, and celebration at the Western Family YMCA! Throughout the day, our group exercise classes will feature playlists showcasing the contributions and influence of cultural artists across a variety of musical genres.
    From 6:30–7:30 p.m., join us for a special Hip Hop Cardio Dance Glow Event in the Aerobic Room. Enjoy an energetic workout featuring hip-hop music, glow sticks, and fun choreography as we celebrate the creativity, culture, and impact of hip-hop through fitness.
  • Dover YMCA – Friday, June 19th
    The Dover YMCA Juneteenth Community Open House will feature a day of history, wellness, and community engagement. Black-owned business vendors and community partners will be in the lobby from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. & 5 to 7 p.m. The celebration will also include:

    • A scavenger hunt
    • Refreshments
    • Family-friendly activities
    • Gym games
    • Indoor pool fun
    • Empowerment Belly Dance Fitness with Zanora Berry El from 5:30–6:30 p.m.
    • And more!
  • Sussex Family YMCA – Friday, June 19th
    Join the Sussex Family Y for a day of learning and community wellness, featuring books by Black authors and educational materials in the lobby that showcase the importance and history of Juneteenth.

What is Juneteenth?

On June 19, our YMCA celebrates Juneteenth, Freedom Day!  Juneteenth is the oldest nationally-celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863, it took two and a half years for the slaves in the state of Texas to hear of their freedom. Juneteenth is the celebration of the day in the United States when all enslaved individuals became aware of their freedom.

Although Juneteenth has been considered a Texas holiday, it has slowly gained recognition across the country. Today, many communities organize local Juneteenth celebrations which include the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, singing traditional songs, prayer, participating in cookouts, picnics, street fares, parades, brass bands, and rodeos – all to commemorate and honor slaves of that time, and their descendants.

Learn More about Juneteenth History

Our Mission

To empower youth, foster healthy living, and promote strong communities.