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. We are still fighting for equity and we will not stop because we believe in a brighter tomorrow. Find out how you can celebrate freedom 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 Juneteenth Celebration – Saturday, June 17th, 12 – 4 p.m. | Family-friendly event featuring fun activities for all ages, including live music, dancing, games, and delicious food.
- Bear-Glasgow YMCA – Open to the community with crafts & snacks in the lobby. Don’t forget to bring a friend anyone who signs up as a new member will receive Y swag!
- Western Family YMCA – Monday, June 19th, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Join us for tons of family fun! We will have performances, vendors, food trucks, inflatable, raffles, crafts & games.
- Middletown YMCA – Monday, June 19th, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. – Crafts in the Kids Zone and a walking activity at 1 p.m.
- Dover YMCA – Monday June 19th, 6:15 p.m. | Join Kyle OUTSIDE for a special Zumba session honoring the Juneteenth holiday.
- Sussex Family YMCA Juneteenth Celebration – Monday, June 19th, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- 11 a.m. Juneteenth Presentation: State Representative Stell Parker Selby, YMCA of Delaware CEO Jarrett Royster, YMCA of Delaware Association Board Chair Enid Wallace-Simms
- 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. BBQ Cookout
- 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Games & Moonbounce in the Backyard
- 1 – 3 p.m. Open Swim
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
- Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture: “The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth”
- Youth-focused videos from BrainPOP and Kid History
- Vox: “Why all Americans should honor Juneteenth”
- PBS: “What is Juneteenth? 4 things you should know”
- New York Times, The Daily podcast: “The History and Meaning of Juneteenth”