The Gulfport-Wide Juneteenth Celebration, now in its sixth year, is evolving into the Mississippi Gulf Coast Juneteenth Celebration, marking a powerful step toward building stronger coalitions and unifying Juneteenth observances across the Coast. Beginning in 2026, the Planning Commission will facilitate an annual Freedom Week Calendar that highlights Juneteenth-related events throughout coastal communities, serve as cultural educators at festivals across the region, and host cultural education and political empowerment initiatives in partnership with existing coastal activities. Looking ahead, this expanded vision centers on creating a Juneteenth Collaborative—bringing together organizations, leaders, and community members—to establish a week-long, unified celebration that honors freedom, amplifies shared history, and strengthens collective impact across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.