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PRESTON -- Caroline County once again celebrated Juneteenth on June 19, 2026, with music, storytelling, dance, food, and other festivities at Mt. Pleasant Acre Farm in Preston. Juneteenth is recognized as being the day when the last group of enslaved individuals in Texas learned of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation - two years after it was signed. Photographer Mickey Pullen attended Juneteenth in Caroline County to capture the celebration of local African American history and culture.
In a press release for Caroline Review.News, the Caroline County Juneteenth Committee said, "For the third year, people from Caroline County and beyond flocked to the Juneteenth in Caroline celebration held on June 19th on the front lawn of Mt. Pleasant Acres Farms in Preston, owned by Paulette Greene and Donna Dear, known affectionately as “the Aunties”. With a rich history including Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, Mt. Pleasant Acres Farms continues to be the perfect venue for this jubilant day.
Cousins Cuttin’ Up Duo, Ty Bolden and Capri Lee emceed the event again this year, alongvwith DJ Randy P. Included in the day’s events was an opening libation ceremony by Renna McKinney followed by a warm welcome from the Aunties. Robin M. Caudell, author of Black Heel Strings: A Choptank Memoir spoke and read passages from her book. Former Preston Mayor and now Candidate running for Caroline County Commissioner Savannah Winston spoke a few words, followed by Caroline NAACP President Sherone Lewis. Keynote speakers were Dr. Clara Small, Professor Emerita of History of Salisbury University; Tonet Cuffee, a grand-niece of Harriet Tubman; and Tarence Bailey, a fifth great-nephew of Frederick Douglass. Sharnell Tull, also known as “Sista Big the Poet” was back for her second year, sharing some of her poetry with the audience. Music was provided by Breath of Fresh Air Band. Community resource vendors shared a wide range of information and food vendors provided everything from fresh lemonade, Italian water ice, fried fish dinners, and more.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources staff gave away free tree saplings. Caroline County Public Library staff gave away free books provided by the Friends of the Caroline County Public Library and Caroline County Council of Arts staff helped participants create their own Juneteenth flag.
A Witness Tree Ceremony paying homage to the land and the individuals who sought its refuge was held in the morning by Je’Kendria Trahan, Robin M. Caudell, and Dr. Michelle Boulden-Hammond. The Witness Tree is a giant tulip poplar tree over 150 years old located on Mt. Pleasant Acres Farms. It is believed that Harriet Tubman and enslaved people she was leading to freedom would stop and pray beneath this tree before continuing on their perilous journey.
The Juneteenth In Caroline Planning Committee would like to thank the following sponsors for helping to make this event a success: Mt Pleasant Heritage Preservation, Dock Street Foundation, Greenmount West Community Foundation, Caroline County Council of Arts, Caroline County Public Library, Preston Automotive Group, Edwards Driving Center, Transpire Wellness, VanTech Business Solutions - Preston OfficePlex, Minary’s Dream Alliance, Caroline County NAACP, American Legion Post 77, Sue and Jon Simmons, and Debby Bennett and David Sutton.
Additionally, the committee is grateful for having received a MD Two Fifty Once in a Generation grant provided by the Maryland 250 Commission through the Caroline County Economic Development & Tourism Department."
