Harrisburg will host its seventh annual JuneteenthHBG celebration from June 14-20, coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of the Young Professionals of Color, Greater Harrisburg.
The convergence of these three milestones creates what organizers call an unprecedented moment for the capital region.
“2026, being a milestone year across so many different historical occasions and events, is the most impactful alignment we could not have planned for,” said Dr. Kimeka Campbell, co-founder of the Young Professionals of Color.
“The historical significance of 250 years of American history, 10 years of Harrisburg’s YPOC, and our seventh JuneteenthHBG celebration culminates in the most important and impactful commemoration to date.”
This year’s theme, “Built for This Moment: Radically Reimagining Our Next Chapter,” serves as both a declaration and call to action.
The week-long celebration usually attracts more than 10,000 participants annually to events that engage the community on civic, economic and social levels.
Pennsylvania became the first state to abolish slavery in 1780, nearly a century before Juneteenth marked the end of slavery nationwide. In 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African Americans of their freedom two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Grace Ananga of York sold hand-made handbags, clothes and hats during the 2024 Juneteenth festival on Harrisburg’s City Island. (Joe Hermitt, PennLive.com/file)Joe Hermitt | [email protected]
Schedule of events
The celebration begins June 14 with a virtual kickoff on the YPOC Facebook page.
A press conference at the Pennsylvania State Capitol follows at 10 a.m. June 16 with organizational leadership and community partners marking the official launch.
A full-day summit at Harrisburg University on June 17 focusing on work, wealth and freedom. The conference will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, a youth summit and business hub.
On June 18, Taste of Black Harrisburg will transform a downtown block with food vendors, cooking demonstrations, live music and art.
The Juneteenth Jubilee Block Party will be held June 19 at South Riverfront Park, with organizers expecting up to 5,000 people for the family-oriented celebration.
The week concludes June 20 with the second annual Juneteenth parade through downtown Harrisburg at noon and a grand finale concert at Capital City Music Hall that evening.
“Year after year showing up for the community, engaging civically, and economically, is the biggest growth point for what it means to be in Black America,” Campbell said. “Showing up for each other and radically reimagining our next chapter, we are Built for This Moment and all the ones to come.”
