Approximately a dozen Black authors from Western Maryland are expected to participate in this year’s Juneteenth Author Showcase, hosted by the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in partnership with The F.O.C.U.S. Trainer Cherish McMillan-Kilgoe, Sunday, June 8, 2025, 2-to-4 p.m. Juneteenth, June 19, also known as “Freedom Day”, is a federal holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States.
The museum event will be held in the Kaylor Rose Garden, where authors will be on hand to discuss their work, books will be for sale and some authors will also give more formal presentations about their work. The Washington County Free Library Bookmobile will also be on-site 1-5 p.m. with Juneteenth-related reading and video materials, books to check out, and the opportunity to sign up for a library card.
“Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom—freedom once denied to our ancestors who risked their lives for the right to read and write,” event founder McMillan-Kilgoe said.
“The author showcase honors that legacy by uplifting Black voices and stories that continue to shape our communities. As a Black author myself, I created this platform to ensure other Black authors have a space to be seen, celebrated, and heard. Each year, this event grows in reach and impact, and I am humbled to continue this cultural tradition in partnership with the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts and the Washington County Free Library.”
Rachel Wolfe, Head of Bookmobile and Outreach Services for the county library system, said the library seeks out opportunities like this, “in order to serve diverse populations through programs and activities that encourage creativity, critical thinking and cultural understanding and acceptance. The Bookmobile specifically works to serve information needs of citizens outside of the brick-and-mortar library, expanding access to resources across the county. We are excited to be a part of the 2025 Juneteenth Author Showcase to celebrate local Black authors and to connect readers to materials that highlight the significance of Juneteenth and the contributions of Black authors.”
Featured authors at the showcase will include Monica Briggs Anderson of Germantown, Unbreakable: Strength of Resilience the Ladyish Way; Kisha Davis of North Potomac, The Making of a Pearl; Charmyra E. Fleming of Brunswick, The Violet Rose, Three’s a Charm, Perfect Chemistry, and Love Dazzles in Sapphire, and her 11-year old son, Frederick (Morgan) Fleming who has just published his first comic book, The Adventures of the Black Eye Galaxy with Ralf and Neo: The Attack of Arcturus; Jamie Hardges of Hagerstown, Experience a Rhema Word…Expressions; Shirlene Roberts of Frederick, Moments & Memories A Story of Love & Loss; and Taurean Washington of Frederick, GHOATS (Greatest Heroes of All Times) and Heroes of Ministry.
The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, located on the lakefront in Hagerstown City Park, was established in 1931 by William H. Singer, Jr. and Anna Brugh Singer and has an extensive, world-class permanent collection of paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures from the 15th century, (plus older Roman and Egyptian artifacts) to the present, featuring celebrated and diverse artists. Accredited by American Alliance of Museums since 1976, the Museum offers tours, classes, educational programs and community events and is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission and parking are free. For more information: wcmfa.org
Check out was real simple, can't wait for the tote bag