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 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 15th, 12 – 3 p.m.
This incredible event will feature food vendors, open swim, live music celebrating African American culture & history, educational booths on the significance of the Juneteenth holiday, face painting, games, storytelling sessions and much more. This event is open to the community. - Bear-Glasgow Family YMCA – Wednesday, June 19th, 3 – 6 p.m.
Join the Bear-Glasgow Family Y for our Juneteenth celebration featuring inflatables, food trucks, yard games, group exercise classes, refreshments, and more. - Middletown Family YMCA – Wednesday, June 19th, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Join the Middletown Family YMCA for a community-wide celebration of Juneteenth. Come enjoy bounce houses, special outdoor classes and more! - Brandywine YMCA – Wednesday, June 19th
The Brandywine YMCA invites its members to the Hanby Outdoor Center to have pizza by the outdoor pool from 3 – 8 p.m., take part in our Juneteenth themed Aqua Zumba class from 7-7:45 p.m., or bring your friends to the Brandywine Y for our Juneteenth Dance Celebration from 5:30 – 7 p.m. - Western Family YMCA – Wednesday, June 19th
Join us at Western Family YMCA on June 19th as we celebrate Juneteenth with special fitness activities, such as Aqua Zumba from 10 – 11:30 a.m. and Turn Up from 6:45 – 8 p.m. Let’s come together to honor the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and reflect on the journey towards freedom and equality. Community is free, with ID. - Dover YMCA – Wednesday, June 19th
Stop by the lobby as we’ll feature vendors from Black-owned businesses in our community. - Sussex Family YMCA – Saturday, June 15th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join us for an amazing free event where we take a special walk through time with local Black-owned businesses, vendors and performers.
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”