NOVA Closed Friday, June 18, in Observance of Juneteenth
NOVA will be closed tomorrow, Friday, June 18 in observance of Juneteenth, officially Juneteenth National Independence Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day or Liberation Day. This holiday, recognized each June 19, celebrates the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States, and it commemorates the day in 1865 when the Union arrived in Galveston, Texas to enforce the emancipation of those still enslaved in that state (almost three years after the Emancipation Proclamation). Juneteenth has long been celebrated in Black communities across the United States, and there has been a continued push for wider recognition of the day.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam made Juneteenth an official observance; and the general assembly, in October 2020, voted to make it an official state holiday. This year, June 19 falls on Saturday, and the state will observe the day on Friday, June 18, giving state employees a paid holiday.
In observation of Juneteenth, listed below are a few ways the Northern Virginia area will be celebrating. Take time to check out the information and attend a Juneteenth event near you.
- Fairfax County: Celebrate Freedom-Juneteenth at Frying Pan Farm Park
Saturday, June 19, 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Frying Pan Farm Park is located at 2709 West Ox Road in Herndon. Call 703-437-9101 for details or visit Frying Pan Farm Park.
- The City of Alexandria: The Alexandria Black History Museum and Historic Alexandria — Our People: A Juneteenth Story; Washington Revels Jubilee Voices
Saturday, June 19, 2021, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Free Concert on Zoom Register here
The Washington Revels Jubilee Voices ensemble is committed to the preservation of African American history and traditions, presenting songs and stories of struggle and perseverance, trials and triumphs, as expressed through acappella music, drama and dance. This concert will feature WRJV singing at sites important to Alexandria’s African American history, blending history with performance. Established in 2010, the group now performs regularly throughout the Washington D.C. area, singing, sharing and learning the stories of the people in those communities. - Prince William County: Juneteenth at Lucasville.
Saturday, June 19, 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Lucasville School, 10516 Godwin Drive, Manassas, VA 22011
Join us at Lucasville in honor of Juneteenth to learn about the celebration marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans throughout the South. Visit the one-room schoolhouse to learn about the development of freedmen communities throughout Prince William County and the progression of education throughout Prince William County throughout Reconstruction and the Jim Crow Era. This event is free, but donations are welcome.
- Loudoun: Juneteenth Celebration 2021, Featuring: The Chuck Brown Band
Saturday, June 19, 12 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Ida Lee Park Recreation Center, 60 Ida Lee Dr, NW, Leesburg, VA 20176, 703-593-4673
Price: $5 per person/ $25 per tent
For details,Visit the Website.
This information is provided courtesy of the following websites:
Visit Loudoun
Visit Prince Wm. County
Fairfax County Parks Authority
Historic Alexandria

Submitted by:
Hoang Nguyen, PIO, HDNguyen@nvcc.edu