Juneteenth Celebration 2026 - Program & Community Free Day
Celebrate Juneteenth through a program honoring freedom, reflection, and collective healing alongside free admission to the Ali Center.
June 19, 2026
8:30 A.M. — 5 P.M.
At the Center
Join the Muhammad Ali Center and The Association for Teaching Black History in Kentucky for a powerful Juneteenth celebration honoring freedom, reflection, and collective healing.
Begin the day with a program at 8:30 a.m. featuring a keynote conversation with Dr. Gerald L. Smith, Professor at University of Kentucky. Dr. Smith is the author, editor, or co-editor of five books. Most recently he was invited to serve as the guest editor for a special issue of the Register of the Kentucky Historical Society. The Summer/Autumn 2025 issue highlights “New Examinations of Black Leadership in Kentucky.” Professor Smith wrote the introduction as well as an essay on the Rev. James Bond and the Commission on Interracial Cooperation.
Following the program, join us for a Community Free Day offering free admission to the Ali Center’s exhibits and activations.
Attendance is free for both events, but registration is required.
Seating is limited for the public program at 8:30 a.m.