Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Marking the date that the last enslaved people learned of their freedom, the month of June and the nineteenth day were combined to form the term “Juneteenth.” From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, observance of Juneteenth as African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States.
In 2019, a Juneteenth celebration was held in Wheeling as part of the city’s 250th anniversary, and it has since become an annual event. This inaugural celebration was planned by members of Wheeling YWCA, Wheeling NAACP, the Wheeling 250 committee, Wheeling Heritage, the Ohio County Public Library, the Underground Railroad Museum, and local historian Margaret Brennan.
As of June 17, 2021, Juneteenth National Independence Day is now officially recognized as a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery.
Juneteenth Celebration 2026
Preview Event:
Thursday, June 18 at the Ohio County Public Library
7:00pm – A preview of selections from a curated and varied collection of popular music, which will be presented in full on Friday evening at the Market Plaza.
Friday, June 19 at Market Plaza
Saturday, June 20
A southern style brunch with games, trivia, and hits by DJ Kaz
Located at the corner of Lane 7, near 1025 Chapline St.
Photo Gallery
Juneteenth 2025 Event – A History of Black Music in America
Celebrate Black History in Wheeling
Presented by the Wheeling Area Juneteenth Committee in partnership with:
