On June 19, 1865, our country reached a landmark moment in history as the last remaining enslaved people of the former Confederate states were granted their freedom. Now, 159 years later, we honor the tenets of freedom, equality and self-determination on Juneteenth.
HCPS joins our community in celebrating this momentous holiday for African Americans and our country as a whole. We invite people of all cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds to learn more about Juneteenth and enjoy its historic legacy while our schools and offices are closed.
Henrico County features a webpage of stories, biographies and resources related to Black history in the region and the holiday: https://henrico.us/history/recent-history/juneteenth/.
Henrico County Recreation & Parks shared this video, made by students at Varina High School's Center for Communications and Media Relations, explaining Juneteenth and how we celebrate it today: https://www.facebook.com/HenricoRecParks/videos/1597550441027690/. You can also check out the fun had by thousands who gathered at Dorey Park on Saturday: https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=3671976432948999.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., highlights the history of Juneteenth and its cultural legacy: https://nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth.
Henrico's Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is hosting a free community day in honor of Juneteenth. It's open from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. More info: https://www.lewisginter.org/event/juneteenth-free-community-day/.
Happy Juneteenth!
The HCPS Equity, Diversity and Opportunity team at the Henrico County 2024 Juneteenth celebration at Dorey Park.
HCPS at the Henrico County 2024 Juneteenth celebration at Dorey Park.