Saturday, June 19 marks the 156th anniversary of Juneteenth. Juneteenth celebrates the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.
Juneteenth Webinar Recording Now Available
Last week's Juneteenth webinar with Barbara Krauthamer, Dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, Professor of History at UMass Amherst is now available as a recording. During the webinar, which was hosted by President Marty Meehan, Dean Krauthamer provided an overview of Juneteenth, photos, and historical facts around annual celebrations, and answered audience questions about the holiday.
In-Person and Virtual Events in Massachusetts
There are a variety of celebrations happening throughout the state. Please check your local city and town websites for additional celebrations. We've included some of the offerings below. Also feel free to share any Juneteenth events on the Slack #inclusion channel.
The Music of the Civil Rights Movement
Friday, June 18, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Virtual Event
Juneteenth and the Music of the Civil Rights Movement presented by John Clark and his Great American Music Experience. The program hosted via zoom will focus on Civil Rights movement during the 50s and 60s with many noteworthy songs highlighted. Call to sign up at 781-259-8811 or email GagneA@lincolntown.org to be sent zoom invite.
Juneteenth: Opera in the Key of Freedom
Saturday, June 19, 12:30 p.m.
Virtual Event
Through a variety of music from Black Composers across three centuries, NEMPAC Opera Project will celebrate Juneteenth with the themes of freedom, triumph, and joy. These works will be performed by leading Black Musicians of the Greater Boston Arts scene and filmed at the African Meeting House on Boston's Historic Black Heritage Trail.
Register for Opera in the Key of Freedom
Lynn Museum Juneteenth Festival
Saturday, June 19, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
590 Washington St, Lynn, MA 01901
North Shore Juneteenth Association, Inc. and Lynn Museum/LynnArts are partnering on a Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 19th from 1-5pm outdoors in our courtyard and park. Enjoy music, food for purchase, vendors, free family activities, and view the Museum’s latest exhibition “Untold Stories: A History of Black People in Lynn." This event will be free to the public.
Learn more about Lynn Museum's Juneteenth Festival
Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremonies
There are several flag raising ceremonies happening, including:
- Marblehead at Abbott Hall on Friday, June 18 at 5:00 p.m.
- Malden at City Hall on Saturday, June 19 at 9:00 a.m.
- Salem at Riley Plaza on Monday, June 21 at 2:00 p.m.
Other Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth
- Support local Black-owned businesses. Boston.gov maintains a list of black and brown owned businesses in the Boston area.
- Walk the Boston Black Heritage Trail. The Black Heritage Trail is a 1.6-mile walking tour that explores the history of Boston’s 19th century African American community who primarily lived on the north slope of Beacon Hill.