Newport Juneteenth
Florence Juneteenth
For Family By Family, in partnership with the City of Florence, will hold its 4th Annual Juneteenth Community Celebration, on Friday, June 19, noon-5 p.m. at the Florence Nature Park Event Center.
This year’s celebration, themed “United Through Legacy: 100 Years Strong — Celebrating Freedom, Family & Future” and guided by the slogan “Rooted in History. Rising in Unity.” honors both Juneteenth and the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. It recognizes the continued progress and contributions of African American communities throughout the region.
As one of Northern Kentucky’s growing cultural and community-centered events, this FREE public celebration invites everyone in the region to come together for a day focused on education, empowerment, heritage, and unity. Attendees will enjoy a dynamic lineup of experiences and activities, including:
•Live entertainment and cultural performances
•In-depth educational exhibits and historical presentations
•Youth and family engagement activities
•Community resources and wellness information
•Food vendors and refreshments
•Local businesses and nonprofit showcases
•Special guest speakers, historians, and community leaders
•Free giveaways, raffle prizes, and health screenings
Educational exhibits and presentations will highlight the historic First Baptist African American Church, founded in 1870 by the Trustees of the Colored Baptist Association. Established to serve formerly enslaved individuals and freedmen following the Civil War, the church remains one of Boone County’s most important African American historical sites.
The City of Florence has acquired the property and plans to restore the church to its original nineteenth-century appearance, helping preserve this important legacy for future generations.
The celebration will also feature historical information recognizing the African American sections of the Florence Cemetery, where many formerly enslaved individuals, Black veterans, and early community leaders are buried.
Special recognition will be given to Dashai Thompson of For Family by Family, for her efforts in helping bring visibility and awareness to these important historical narratives. Historian Hillary Delaney and the Archive & History Center of the Boone County Public Library will provide special exhibits and educational presentations, sharing their extensive research documenting Florence’s African American history.
Representatives from the City of Florence will also be present to share updates and information regarding the preservation and future plans surrounding the historic First Baptist African American Church and other local historical initiatives.
“Juneteenth is more than a celebration of freedom,” said Sienna Thompson, Founder and CEO of For Family By Family. “It is an opportunity to educate, preserve history, and bring people together. For four years, our goal has been to ensure that the stories of Florence’s African American community are recognized, honored, and shared with future generations.”
Northern Kentucky Juneteenth Committee — Saturday, June 20
