All over Massachusetts, celebrations with music, barbecues, literature readings, fashion shows, virtual workshops and much more will take place in honor of Juneteenth.
In Western Mass there's lots going on in Springfield and around the Pioneer Valley.
Celebrations include the Juneteenth Jubilee flag raising at the Black Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Springfield on Friday at noon.
Celebrations include the Juneteenth Jubilee flag raising at the Black Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Springfield on Friday at noon.
- As a part of The LAVA Center’s Social Justice in the Arts and Media series Black Writers Read hosts Rage Hezekiah at The LAVA Center for their first ever in-person event noon on Saturday at the LAVA Center, 324 Main St. in Greenfield.
- Juneteenth Heritage Walk on Saturday at 11 a.m. Explore the rich history and contributions of multiple generations of Black families in the town of Amherst with Ancestral Bridges and the Amherst Historical Society Museum. Curated by descendants the immersive storytelling walk will feature and special exhibits at the town center, history museum and artwork to bring life to the town’s Black neighborhoods and communities in the mid-18th century. Free to the public the tour will begin at West Cemetery where soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment and of the 5th Cavalry lay at rest.
- On Saturday, the Pan African Historical Museum of Springfield offers a walking tour where guests can interact with the famous and unsung who sought or helped those who fight for freedom through the Underground Railroad. Tours begin at the museum on 1500 Main St. at 3, 4: and 5 p.m. and are free to the public.
- On Saturday, the Bloomfield Public Library will host a the towns Juneteenth Parade beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the First Cathedral and ending at the Blue Hills Fire Department. From 1 to 2 p.m. a live and in-person concert in celebration of Juneteenth will be held on the McMahon Wintonbury Lawn,1015 Blue Hills Avenue. Enjoy free hot dogs and hamburgers and ice cream with your library card
- Arise For Social Justice will hold their annual Juneteenth celebration on Sunday, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Donna Blake Park (formerly Pendleton)
- Chef Zuray May will host a reservation only Food and Comedy, Juneteenth Backyard Barbecue featuring, music, raffle and catered food and sauces from the grill to your hands.
- Strong Young Minds, iHeart Radio and Springfield Together will host Black Vivid, an outburst and celebration of culture. The event will include a tribute to Harriet Tubman and Madame CJ Walker, a marching band, fashion show, a step performance, Father’s Day special, African dance, music, food, and more on Sunday at the Riverfront Park at 2 p.m.
- The Juneteenth 2022 Festival will highlight contributions of African Americans in the past, present and future, music and poetry and feature sundry products and foods at the Enfield Town Green Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m
- The Deerfield Community Center on 16 Memorial St. will host a Juneteenth concert entitled Songs of Abolition featuring gospel music from a new documentary “Songs of Slavery and Emancipation” on Sunday, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance and masks are required.
In Central Mass there's plenty of chances to get together.
- Fitchburg
- Juneteenth Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Fitchburg Abolitionist Park (Saturday @ 10 a.m.)
- Worcester
- Black Heritage - Juneteenth Festival at Worcester City Hall (Saturday @ 12 p.m.)
- Sturbridge
- Old Sturbridge Village on Monday, June 20, offers free admission to the museum in honor of the holiday.