The Tuskegee History Center invites the community to join us for a special Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 20, 2026, as we gather for a day dedicated to celebrating freedom, honoring history, and preserving the stories that continue to shape our collective legacy.

This free community event offers visitors an opportunity to engage with the rich history of Tuskegee and Macon County while participating in meaningful conversations centered around remembrance, education, and community connection.

Guests are encouraged to come and tell their Tuskegee story by sharing memories, hopes, personal experiences, and contributions connected to the City of Tuskegee so these stories can be preserved for future generations and become part of the continuing historical narrative of this remarkable community.

Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy self-guided museum tours, experiencing exhibits that explore the rich multicultural history of Macon County — from its prehistoric beginnings to the enduring legacy of civil rights leader Sammy L. Younge Jr. and the many individuals whose contributions helped shape both Tuskegee and our nation.

As a special feature of the celebration, we are proud to host a discussion and book signing with Tuskegee’s own Dr. Horace F. Whittaker Jr., Ed.D, author of We Are Humankind, where guests will have an opportunity to engage in conversation and reflection through the lens of shared humanity and historical understanding.

This program is proudly sponsored by Alabama State Senator Billy Beasley and the Alabama Tourism Department.

Event Details:

• Saturday, June 20, 2026
• 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM CT
• Address: 104 S. Elm Street, Tuskegee, AL
• Featured Book Signing with Dr. Horace F. Whittaker Jr. from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM CT
• Admission: Free and open to the public

Photo courtesy: Stephenson, Grace Murray, Emancipation Day Celebration Band, June 19, 1900. Austin History Center, Austin Public Library via The Portal to Texas History

Why We Celebrate Juneteenth

On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their freedom. This historic moment became what we now recognize as Juneteenth — a powerful commemoration of liberation, resilience, and the continued pursuit of justice and equality in America.

While Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom hard fought and long delayed, it also serves as an important reminder of our collective responsibility to preserve the stories, sacrifices, and history that continue shaping our future.

That work of remembrance, education, and truth-telling remains just as vital today.

Through the ongoing mission of both the Tuskegee History Center and the Fred D. Gray Institute for Human & Civil Rights, we remain committed to preserving the history of those who came before us while creating spaces for dialogue, education, leadership development, and deeper understanding for generations to come.

By protecting these stories, honoring the voices of our communities, and fostering opportunities for reflection and learning, we help ensure that history is not simply remembered — but actively carried forward.

As we commemorate Juneteenth, we invite families, community members, and visitors from near and far to join us in celebrating freedom, connecting through shared history, and continuing the important work of preserving Tuskegee’s legacy for future generations.

We look forward to welcoming you.

About the Tuskegee History Center

The Tuskegee History Center, established in 1997 as the Tuskegee Human and Civil Rights Multicultural Center, was created to serve as a memorial to the victims of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study with a mission to present, preserve and promote the history of Tuskegee and Macon County. Its exhibits and projects focus on the contributions of Native Americans, European Americans, and Americans of African descent to the history and development of Tuskegee/Macon County. For more information on The Tuskegee History Center, please visit www.tuskegeecenter.org.

Contact Information:

info@tuskegeecenter.org | (334) 724-0800