FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Northern Kentucky Juneteenth Committee Presents the Largest Juneteenth Celebration in Northern Kentucky
Theme: “Remembering the Past, Rising to the Future”
COVINGTON, KY — The Northern Kentucky Juneteenth Committee proudly invites the community to join in the 2026 Northern Kentucky Juneteenth Celebration, a powerful commemoration of freedom, history, culture, and community unity.
Founded by Visionary and Founder Phyllis Tyler, the Northern Kentucky Juneteenth Celebration has grown into the largest Juneteenth observance in Northern Kentucky, bringing together families, community leaders, businesses, churches, educators, and elected officials to celebrate the legacy of Juneteenth while inspiring future generations.
Main Celebration
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Covington Landing (Gateway to Freedom)
100 Madison Avenue, Covington, Kentucky 41011
Noon – 7:00 p.m.
This year’s theme, “Remembering the Past, Rising to the Future,” honors those who paved the way while celebrating the progress and promise of future generations.
Featured Events Include:
* 2026 Black Excellence Awards
* Community Leadership Open Mic
* Kids Fest
* Free T-Shirt Giveaway
* Basil Lewis Sneaker Giveaway
* Knockout Basketball Tournament (Ages 6–16)
* Bingo featuring 25 games and a Grand Prize of $500 Cash
* Live Entertainment
* African Fashion Show
* Step Show Performances
* Spoken Word Artists
* Local Vendors and Food Vendors
* Community Resource Booths
* Free Activities for Youth and Families
Black Excellence Awards
The celebration will begin with the 2026 Black Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding men, women, businesses, educators, community leaders, advocates, athletes, and youth who have made a significant impact throughout Northern Kentucky and beyond.
Special guest speaker for the awards ceremony will be:
Rev. Michael K. Jackson
Senior Pastor
Ninth Street Missionary Baptist Church
Covington, Kentucky
Career Fair & Expungement Clinic
Thursday, June 18, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Kentucky Career Center – Covington
Community members will have the opportunity to meet transformational employers, receive free background checks, and participate in guided expungement interviews designed to help remove barriers to employment and economic opportunity.
A Celebration of Freedom
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Texas finally learned they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.
The Northern Kentucky Juneteenth Celebration serves as an opportunity to educate, inspire, and unite the community while honoring the resilience, achievements, and contributions of African Americans throughout history.
As participants gather at the historic Covington Landing, known as the Gateway to Freedom, they will reflect on the courage of those who crossed the Ohio River seeking freedom and celebrate the progress made by generations who followed.
Message from Founder Phyllis Tyler
“The vision for Northern Kentucky Juneteenth was born during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. To see this celebration continue to grow and inspire communities throughout Northern Kentucky is truly a blessing. We honor our history, celebrate Black excellence, and create opportunities for future generations to rise.”
The public is encouraged to attend this free family-friendly event and experience a day filled with culture, education, entertainment, inspiration, and community.
Phyllis Tyler
Visionary & Founder
Northern Kentucky Juneteenth Committee
Remembering the Past. Rising to the Future.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Covington Landing • 100 Madison Avenue • Covington, Kentucky
