June 19, 1865, marks the day when the last of those enslaved in Texas learned of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day, now celebrated nationally as Juneteenth, is both a moment of joy and a call to action. It reminds us that justice delayed is justice denied and that the fight for equity continues.

At Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake, we believe that the work of liberation is ongoing, and it must include environmental justice. While Juneteenth honors freedom from physical bondage, true freedom also means having clean air, safe water, healthy communities, and equitable access to green spaces. Yet, communities of color continue to face higher rates of environmental harm from polluted waterways and unsafe drinking water to limited protections from industrial waste.

Faith teaches us that every person is sacred and that caring for Creation means caring for one another. As we celebrate Juneteenth, we recommit to building a world where environmental policies uplift all people especially those who have been marginalized for too long.

IPC is working with our partners all around the watershed in faith based celebrations of Juneteenth and the Solstice. Juneteenth is not just a historical milestone—it’s a living, evolving commemoration of liberation and a call to action for justice and remembrance. For Native Americans, the summer solstice is a time of renewal and reflection.

We invite people of all faiths and all generations to join us at one of our upcoming community gatherings:

Greater Baltimore Juneteenth Solstice Celebration

Thursday, June 19th | 4–8 PM
Circle on Eagle Drive, Leakin Park
This is a faith-based celebration featuring African and Native American drummers, storytelling, fishing lessons, a one-act play performed by the Arena Players, native plant gardening, yoga, guided walks in the woods, and more—all based on themes honoring freedom, social, and environmental justice. This event is FREE and family-friendly!

RSVP

Liberation and Light: Juneteenth Summer Solstice Celebration – Eastern Shore

Friday, June 20th | 4–6 PM
Pemberton Park, Salisbury
Enjoy the wonders of Creation and learn about the long road to freedom. Join us for poetry readings, a drummer performance, and a powerful dialogue on the meaning of Juneteenth. We encourage attendees to wear white as a symbol of peace, reflection, and unity.

RSVP

Juneteenth Solstice Interfaith Nature & Stormwater Walk – Howard County

Sunday, June 22nd | 5:30–7 PM
Oakland Mills Interfaith Center, Columbia
Celebrate freedom and our natural world! Learn about environmental stewardship at Oakland Mills Interfaith Center as we tour their beautiful gardens and take a stormwater walk through the surrounding neighborhood.

This event will be followed by a Howard County Hub Gathering.

RSVP

Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival

Thursday, June 19th | 9 AM–1 PM
Cabin John Village Mall, Potomac
Join IPC at the Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival's Wellness and Social Action Pavilion in Montgomery County! Stop by our table to learn how Scotland AME Zion Church and other local congregations are leading efforts to care for our environment and community well-being—through flood prevention projects, native plant gardening, and stream cleanups.

RSVP

These celebrations are a beginning—not an end. Let Juneteenth and the Solstice rekindle your commitment to justice. Whether it’s joining a green team, participating in a One Water Partnership hub gathering, or supporting clean water initiatives, your voice matters.

We hope to see you there—and if you attend, tag us in your photos so we can share the beauty of what faith, freedom, and environmental justice look like when we come together.

Inspired by this story? Share it with your community!
📘 Share on Facebook 🐦 Share on Twitter (X)