Five Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth

Sunday, June 19, is Juneteenth (also called Freedom Day), a celebration of the end of slavery in the United States and an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of slavery and how we can continue to work toward true liberation for all. It was declared a federal holiday by President Joe Biden in 2021.

Read: Social Justice Center Announces Juneteenth Resource List

In Boston this weekend? Here are five events to help you celebrate freedom and learn more about day:

March to Freedom

Friday, June 17
3:00-5:30 pm

Juneteenth Boston will lead a march through Roxbury “showcasing what Black brilliance and Black resilience looks like.” The march leaves from 120 MLK Boulevard, and ends at the Blair Lot (Washington Street and Harrison Avenue) in Nubian Square, where there will be a block party going on…

Embrace Ideas Block Party

Friday, June 17
3:00-8:00 pm
Washington Street and Harrison Avenue, Roxbury

A night of music, dancing, community, and food courtesy of BIPOC-owned food trucks. Part of the Embrace Ideas Festival, sponsored by King Boston.

The Emancipator Presents: Juneteenth, a Celebration

Saturday, June 18
5:00-7:00 pm
Slade’s Bar & Grill, 958 Tremont Street

The Emancipator, a collaboration between the Boston Globe and Boston University’s Center for Antiracist Research, is throwing a free multimedia event focusing on emancipation, freedom, and resistance. Featuring performances by spoken word, hip-hop and R&B artists, dancers, and more. Light refreshments served; cash bar.

Juneteenth at the MFA

Monday, June 20
10:00 am-5:00 pm
Museum of Fine Arts Boston, 465 Huntington Avenue

The MFA is offering free admission for all Massachusetts residents, as well as performances curated by SIDE Presents, art making, and talks focused on the MFA’s latest exhibition, Touching Roots: Black Ancestral Legacies in the Americas.

History of Juneteenth: The First African American Holiday

Thursday, June 23
5:00-6:30 pm
Boston Public Library (Uphams Corner branch), 500 Columbia Road, Dorchester

Join the BPL and Muqeedah Publishing for an exploration of the roots and meaning of the holiday. No registration necessary.

In LA? Discover Los Angeles has an interactive map featuring Juneteenth events across the city

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