The Juneteenth Scotland Foundation was founded in response to a pressing community challenge. At one time, Montgomery County was home to more than 80 Black communities - thriving neighborhoods that fostered churches, economic mobility, homeownership, land ownership, and job security. These communities provided jobs and played a vital role in stimulating the local economy. However, over the years, much of that land was lost for various reasons.

Scotland, a historic Black community in Potomac, Maryland, faced a significant hardship in 2019 when its historic church, which was built by hand by the ancestors of formerly enslaved people, was devastated by flooding. Recognizing the urgent need for action, the community came together to establish the Juneteenth Scotland Foundation. The foundation launched the Juneteenth Festival as a way to raise funds for the church’s restoration.

The impact was profound. Scotland quickly realized that beyond supporting its own community, there was a broader need to uplift and bring awareness to other historic Black communities across Montgomery County and the greater D.C. metro area. Additionally, the foundation saw an opportunity to support other underserved organizations doing impactful work.

Through education, advocacy, and community-driven initiatives, the Juneteenth Scotland Foundation continues to honor the past while building a stronger future for Black communities.