06/03/2026
Cherry Hill History and Cinema Combine for PRE-JUNETEENTH Celebration in South Baltimore!
“We cannot escape our origins, however hard we try, those origins which contain the key -could we but find it- to all we later become.”
― James Baldwin, Notes of a Native Son
On Sunday, June 14, 2026, the Youth Resiliency Institute (YRI) will host a special Pre-Juneteenth Celebration at scenic Middle Branch Park in South Baltimore, MD. This day-long event will feature a museum-style exhibition in the Boathouse of Middle Branch Park, honoring the self-determination of Cherry Hill’s pioneering Black families. Additionally, attendees can enjoy an outdoor waterfront screening of the award-winning film “Sr” directed and written by former Cherry Hill Homes public housing resident Toroes Thomas.
The Youth Resiliency Institute’s 2026 Pre-Juneteenth Celebration coincides with two significant historical milestones: the 80th anniversary of the dedication of Cherry Hill Homes and the 100th anniversary of the movement that led to the establishment of Black History Month. This event underscores a broader commitment to preserving community memory while fostering new opportunities for cultural engagement and intergenerational dialogue, particularly at a time when Black history and public memory face increasing challenges and erasure nationwide.
Throughout the event, there will be children's activities, live music, and food trucks, all contributing to a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere along South Baltimore’s waterfront.
This celebration is sponsored by the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership in collaboration with Reimagine Middle Branch and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks. For additional information, please refer to the accompanying flyer.
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