Pembroke Pines hosts community-wide juneteenth celebration honoring freedom and local culture

Pembroke Pines, Florida – The City of Pembroke Pines is preparing to host a community-wide Juneteenth celebration that will bring together history, culture, and entertainment in one evening gathering at the heart of the city.

The event will take place on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Charles F. Dodge City Center, located at 601 City Center Way. Residents and visitors of all ages are invited, and organizers say the celebration is designed to be both educational and welcoming, with free admission for everyone.

Hosted by Pembroke Pines, the celebration aims to honor the meaning and history of Juneteenth while also creating a space for community connection. The city has also officially recognized Juneteenth as a municipal holiday through a local ordinance, underscoring its importance in civic and cultural life.

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Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, the day when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. Over time, the date has grown into a national symbol of freedom and reflection. According to Juneteenth.com, “Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.”

This year’s celebration in Pembroke Pines will include a wide range of activities meant to engage the community in different ways. One of the featured highlights is an exhibition presented by the Sankofa Museum titled “America’s Story Through the Eyes of Its People,” offering a historical perspective through cultural storytelling and visual displays.

Live music will also be part of the evening, with a performance by The Deep Fried Funk Band expected to bring energy and rhythm to the event. Organizers say the musical element is intended to complement the reflective aspects of the celebration, creating a balance between education and entertainment.

Families attending the event will also find arts and crafts activities, food vendors, guest speakers, and additional community-focused programming. The goal is to create an open space where residents can gather, learn, and celebrate together without barriers or restrictions.

The event will be held at the Charles F. Dodge City Center, a well-known gathering place in the community that frequently hosts civic and cultural events. Its central location makes it accessible for residents across the city and surrounding areas.

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City officials emphasize that Juneteenth is not only a historical remembrance but also an opportunity to reflect on progress, resilience, and unity. By offering a free public celebration, organizers hope to encourage participation from people of all backgrounds and ages.

As the evening unfolds on June 19, attendees can expect a mix of reflection and celebration, with each part of the program designed to highlight both the historical significance of Juneteenth and the strength of the community coming together in recognition of it.