2026 Delaware City – Polktown
Juneteenth Observance Planning Meeting – Logistics
Meeting By Zoom Only
Wednesday, May 20, 6:00 – 7:30 pm – 5th Meeting
If you did not attend the previous planning meetings, please RSVP at info@africanunioncemetery.org to receive Zoom Meeting information.
The following community events have been planned to commemorate the 2026 Delaware City-Polktown Juneteenth Observance:
On Friday, June 19, the official National Holiday of Juneteenth, the Friends of the African Union Church Cemetery (FAUCC) will host a Juneteenth Commemorative Service at the African Union Church Cemetery, where five United States Colored Troops rest. They will be honored during a solemn ceremony, which will be a rain or shine event. Brigadier General James Benson from Delaware’s National Guard will participate during this ceremony. After this ceremony during the afternoon, there will be a Black Owned Business and Organizations Expo that will feature exhibits and products from local owners and entrepreneurs.
Later that day, there will be a performance by Best Kept Soul, which had been honored in 2024 as the ‘Best of DE’s’ favorite band.
On Saturday, June 20, there will be two programs at Fort Delaware State Park that will recognize both Juneteenth and Shove Off Day, which commemorates the day that United States Colored Troops “shoved off” from City Point, Virginia and sailed south to the Gulf of Mexico to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation that had been issued on January 1, 1863. One of the programs at Fort Delaware will be a re-enactment of the reading of General Order No. 3. That announcement let the people of Texas know on June 19, 1865 that all slaves had been declared free in rebellious states. The second program at Fort Delaware will be a presentation on how Juneteenth evolved and became a national holiday.
On Sunday, June 21 (Father’s Day), starting at Noon, the Mount Salem U.A.M.E. Church has invited the community to a special Juneteenth worship service at 305 4th Street in Delaware City. The service will be followed by a free community cookout that will include performances celebrating Black History and Culture.
Also, beginning on May 13, 2026, Delaware City Library will host a variety of educational events with a Juneteenth theme for children, tweens, teens and adults. Please visit https://delawarecity.lib.de.us/ to find out program details and updates throughout this spring.
Marilyn Whittington, a Delaware City-Polktown Juneteenth Co-Convenor, said, “Since 2026 is the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence being adopted, we recognize the historical significance of that occasion coinciding with our Juneteenth observance. Both holidays honor the sacrifices made by those who fought for independence and equality.”
Reverend Marilyn Turner, a Delaware City-Polktown Juneteenth Interim Co-Convenor, added, “This year is also Delaware City’s 200th Anniversary, so our Juneteenth events will help to highlight the people, places, and stories that shaped this historical city.”
Check back on this website for additional details, posters, press releases about these Juneteenth events as they become available.