Celebrating the Legacy of Frederick's Black Educators: Mural Dedication

The City of Frederick held a Juneteenth celebration event on June 19, 2026, to dedicate a mural honoring the legacy of Frederick County's first African-American high school and its pioneering educators. The event featured speeches from community leaders, descendants of the educators, and city officials, highlighting the historical significance of the school and the contributions of John Bruner, Maurice Reed, and Esther Greenwich. The mural project was led by the Mountain City Elks Lodge 382 with artist Rafael Blanco, supported by various community organizations and funded through grants and donations, including $168,000 for facade improvements and $100,000 for roof renovations facilitated by the city's Department of Economic Development. The meeting included acknowledgments of financial contributions from the Ausherman Family Foundation and state bond bills, as well as the installation of a commemorative plaque. While the meeting focused primarily on community heritage and education, it also involved capital improvement projects related to the mural site and building restoration, reflecting coordinated public-private funding efforts.