This year, the annual Juneteenth festival returned for two days of celebration, live entertainment and honoring of leaders in Rochester’s Black community.
Each year the festival is celebrated over the annual Juneteenth holiday. Over 5,000 attendees were anticipated at the 2026 Rochester Juneteenth Festival at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park in downtown Rochester.
“Beloved Community” was the theme for this year’s festival, honoring King’s vision of a society based on justice, equal opportunity and love of humanity.
“In this moment of division, we choose connection,” said president and CEO of Rochester Area Community Foundation Simeon Banister in a statement. “So, if you are with us for this moment, then we encourage you to find a way to get involved.”
Each year, festival organizers honor Rochester’s elders and local communities through the Elder’s Circle Awards and the Community Awards.
Rochester honors award recipients at the 2026 Juneteenth Festival
On June 19, residents and festivalgoers gathered to honor the recipients of this year’s Elder’s Circle Awards.
On June 20, festival organizers Rashaad Parker and Wanda Wilson presented awards to local organizations and individuals that contribute to the social justice and well being of Rochester’s Black communities. The awardees include:
As the recipient of the Art and Activism Pioneer Award, Reenah Golden encourages attendees to support the community and invest in the youth. “Let’s continue to love ourselves, love each other, love on this community, love on our youth,” said Golden.
Genae Shields is the business and development impact reporter working on mobility stories that dive into how people get around Rochester and its surrounding areas. As a member of the local community, Genae enjoys learning about newly emerging businesses and changes that impact Rochester’s BIPOC and LGBTQ neighborhoods. She also enjoys supporting local artists and nonprofit organizations. Contact Genae at gshields@gannett.com.
Note: A typo in the photo cutline was corrected and re-published June 24 at 4 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Juneteenth festival honors Rochester leaders and organizations
Reporting by Genae Shields, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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By Genae Shields, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | USA TODAY Network
