The Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival—hailed as the largest Juneteenth celebration in the DC-Maryland-Virginia region—returns June 14–19 with six days of vibrant cultural programming honoring Black history, freedom, and community. In addition to celebrating heritage, the festival creates lasting impact by supporting organizations working to preserve African American history and uplift local communities.

At a May 21 press conference held at the newly restored Scotland A.M.E. Zion Church, the Juneteenth Scotland Foundation proudly announced the 2025 Festival lineup and this year’s five grant recipients.

Friends of Moses Hall is honored to be among this year’s grantees. The award will help fund the nonprofit’s new documentary short film, Help Us to Help Each Other, Lord: The Story of Morningstar Tabernacle No. 88 of Cabin John, Maryland. Written and directed by L. Paige Whitley and produced by Friends of Moses Hall, the film explores the powerful legacy of Morningstar Tabernacle No. 88, and the important role African American benevolent societies played during the era of racial segregation in Maryland.

The documentary premieres on June 3 at Round House Theatre in Bethesda, offering a moving tribute to community resilience, history, and heritage. This special event not only celebrates the film’s release but also provides insight into its broader educational impact, including plans for screenings on local public television and in schools.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the other 2025 Juneteenth Scotland Foundation grantees: 480 Cares Inc., Delivery Opportunities thru Vocational Education Services Corp (D.O.V.E.S. Corp), Sandy Spring Slave Museum and African Art Gallery, and Agape Gibson Grove. Each of these organizations plays a vital role in advancing community empowerment and preserving Black heritage throughout our region.