Harrisburg Celebrates Black History Month, Previews Juneteenth Plans

Young Professionals of Color host event to connect youth and leaders, highlight upcoming Juneteenth festivities

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Community leaders and young residents in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania gathered to celebrate Black History Month and preview the city's upcoming Juneteenth celebrations. The event, hosted by Young Professionals of Color, focused on building connections between generations and highlighting the importance of preserving culture through music, art, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. Organizers emphasized that Juneteenth planning involves more than just entertainment, but also serves as a platform for community empowerment and education.

Why it matters

Harrisburg's Juneteenth celebration is an important event that brings the community together to honor Black history and culture. By engaging young people in the planning process, the organizers are ensuring that the next generation is equipped to continue these traditions and shape the future of the festivities.

The details

The event featured performances, community discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at encouraging young leaders to become more involved in civic and cultural initiatives. Organizers highlighted that Harrisburg's weeklong Juneteenth festivities will include a parade, concerts, and family-friendly programming open to the public, designed to be inclusive and multigenerational.

  • The event took place on February 13, 2026 to celebrate Black History Month.
  • Harrisburg's Juneteenth festivities are planned for the upcoming summer.

The players

Young Professionals of Color

A community organization that hosted the event to connect youth and leaders and highlight upcoming Juneteenth plans.

Laila-Joy Perry

Representing the Little Miss Black Pennsylvania Junior program, she emphasized the importance of young people learning about Juneteenth and Black history.

Yanni Williams

Juneteenth concert chair and board member who leads Power Choice Productions, he highlighted the diverse and inclusive nature of Harrisburg's Juneteenth celebrations.

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What they’re saying

“Young people should learn more about Juneteenth and what happened back then. Black history is important because it's about my origins.”

— Laila-Joy Perry, Representing Little Miss Black Pennsylvania Junior program (fox43.com)

“It's about music, art, storytelling, fashion, community and entrepreneurship. It's a very diversified experience. You have older and younger generations together. It's family-oriented, educational, and fun.”

— Yanni Williams, Juneteenth concert chair and board member, Power Choice Productions (fox43.com)

What’s next

Harrisburg's weeklong Juneteenth festivities are planned for the upcoming summer, featuring a parade, concerts, and family-friendly programming open to the public.

The takeaway

Harrisburg's Juneteenth celebration is an important event that brings the community together to honor Black history and culture. By engaging young people in the planning process, the organizers are ensuring that the next generation is equipped to continue these traditions and shape the future of the festivities.