The Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition (BACC) is urging a full boycott of Montgomery County’s official Juneteenth celebration at BlackRock Center for the Arts, calling it a hypocritical display by leaders complicit in ongoing racial violence and erasure of Black history. Instead, BACC invites the public to attend “The People’s Juneteenth” on June 19, a grassroots event honoring ancestors buried at the desecrated Moses African Cemetery and spotlighting local racial justice issues.
Category: Events
AFRAM 2025 to feature Patti LaBelle, Juvenile and Saweetie
Patti LaBelle and Juvenile will headline this year’s AFRAM festival on June 21-22 at Druid Hill Park. The free event will also feature Saweetie, Teedra Moses, Amerie, and Vedo, celebrating Black culture with music, food, and vendors. AFRAM attracts over 100,000 attendees annually.
Upcoming Juneteenth events in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area
Celebrate freedom, culture and community at Juneteenth events happening across Baltimore, Prince George’s County and Washington, D.C. From family-friendly festivals and historical reenactments to live music, art showcases and educational panels, this year’s celebrations honor the legacy of emancipation while spotlighting Black excellence. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant parade, local vendors, or space for reflection, there’s something for everyone to engage, uplift and remember.
DC to host historic 50th anniversary Pride and WorldPride 2025 amid rising challenges
Washington, D.C. will celebrate 50 years of Pride with an unprecedented three-week event, coinciding with WorldPride 2025 and themed “The Fabric of Freedom,” highlighting the LGBTQ+ community’s resilience and global solidarity. Despite political setbacks and funding withdrawals, organizers remain steadfast in their mission to celebrate progress, amplify visibility, and defend hard-won rights at a pivotal moment for the community.
2025 Met Gala theme inspired by Black style
The 2025 Met Gala, set for May 5, celebrates Black designers and classic menswear with the theme “Tailored For You,” inspired by the Met’s new exhibit “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” Co-chaired by stars like Pharrell Williams and A$AP Rocky, the exclusive fundraiser continues to blend high fashion, celebrity, and cultural history at one of the year’s most iconic events.
AFRO High Tea returns to Baltimore
The AFRO’s High Tea returns April 26 at Martin’s West, honoring historic organizations and celebrating community legacy. With nearly 1,000 guests expected, the event features live entertainment, local vendors and support.
Transgender Day of Visibility highlights struggles and resilience amid anti-trans legislation
On Transgender Day of Visibility, advocates celebrate the resilience of trans people while confronting a political landscape that increasingly seeks to erase their rights. As executive actions target gender-affirming care, military service and public recognition, activists stress the urgent need for awareness, protection and community support.
24-hour marathon livestream launched as counterpoint to 47th president’s State of the Union
The “State of the People” town hall, hosted by Joy Reid and featuring various civil rights leaders and national advocates, will provide a 24-hour alternative to the expected State of the Union address, focusing on the truth and offering solutions for the nation’s challenges.
Annual Black History Month luncheon takes place in nation’s capital
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) hosted its 99th Annual Black History Month Luncheon, featuring a panel session with Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, and Christine Sampson-Clark, executive committee member of the National Education Association.
Maryland’s MBE Night in Annapolis stands strong amid federal DEI rollbacks
The 16th annual MBE Night in Annapolis, led by the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, took place on Feb. 20, discussing opportunities in state contracting and addressing DEI initiatives under attack.
Baltimore’s own, Black-owned tea company, Equitea returns home with a first-of-its-kind, matcha pop-up experience for 30 days in Remington.
Equitea, a Baltimore-based matcha company founded by Quentin Vennie, is hosting a pop-up in Remington from February 22 to March 22, offering a variety of matcha-based drinks and collaborating with local pastry chefs.
Baltimore holds its first Black History Month Parade
The inaugural Black History Month Parade in Baltimore City, held on Feb. 17, celebrated the rich history of Black trailblazers and Black achievements in Charm City, and highlighted the importance of Black history being taught in schools.

