Juneteenth: What's Happening in Boston?
Juneteenth is Sunday, June 19th. There are many ways to observe Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, so we’ve compiled a list of Juneteenth events happening virtually and in-person here in the Greater Boston area. As the fight for equity and justice continues, we hope this list provides some resources to commemorate this vital day in history and celebrate the contributions, writing, art, and experiences of Black Americans.
Do you know of other Juneteenth events or resources? Let us know by sharing links with us at [email protected].
Juneteenth Activity Hour: Color-Me Quilts (Fields Corner)
Thursday, June 16th at 4:00pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event by the Boston Public Library
In honor of Juneteenth, we'll read about Opal Lee, and then use washable fabric markers to color in the sections of a quilt, doing our best to represent the traditions and values of the holiday. Miss Cindy will be happy to help with ideas, as well as help children and families find out more about what the celebrating is all about. Learn more.
Juneteenth Activity Hour: Color-Me Quilts (North End)
Thursday, June 16th at 4:00pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event by the Boston Public Library
Join Librarian Ashley for a reading of Opal Lee and What it Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan followed by collaborative crafting activity. Kids will use washable fabric markers to color in their own section of a quilt that they feel represents their relationship to the many values of Juneteenth. Learn more.
Juneteenth's Hidden History (Jamaica Plain)
Thursday, June 16th at 6:00pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event by the Boston Public Library
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas, with the news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Join us for a lecture by Muqeedah Salaam as she discusses the origin and history of the holiday. Learn more.
Juneteenth for Maisy Story Time (Roslindale)
Thursday, June 16th at 7:00pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event by the Boston Public Library
Come to a special Story Time with Roslindale children's librarian Celeste Bocchicchio-Chaudrhi celebrating Juneteenth. Ms. Celeste will read Juneteenth for Maize by Floyd Cooper, and participating families will receive a copy of the book to take home. Learn more.
Learning How to Live: A Conversation in Honor of Juneteenth
Thursday, June 16th at 7:00pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0 - $20
An In-Person Event by the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Join us for a night of spoken word performance and open dialogue featuring Boston-based organizers and artists bashezo, Julissa Emile, Simone John, Zenaida Peterson, Kamaria Weemz, and Neighborhood Salon Luminary Golden as they share the journey behind making the project A DEAD NAME THAT LEARNED HOW TO LIVE, created in response to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum’s collection. Learn more.
Juneteenth Story Time: Juneteenth for Mazie Reading & Giveaway! (Mattapan)
Friday, June 17th at 10:30am (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event by the Boston Public Library
In honor of Juneteenth, branch libraries of BPL are hosting a number of fun activities for their young patrons. Written and illustrated by award-winning creator Floyd Cooper, Juneteenth for Mazie is a beautifully illustrated picture book for young children that describes the significance of June 19th and its commemoration of African Americans' freedom from slavery. In lyrical prose, Maize learns about her history and develops pride and delight in the story of her people's fierce struggle for liberation. Learn more.
Friday, June 17th at 12:30pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event by the Boston Public Library
As part of our celebration and observance of Juneteenth, Qadir Shabazz + Lone Sol will marinate the stage with strong, soulful sounds of Jazz Poetry to cultivate an enlightening, entertaining atmosphere with Saxophone solos and poetic imagery that reflect the current state of Art & Literature. To learn more about Qadir Shabazz, visit his Linktree. Learn more.
King Boston's Nubian Square Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, June 17th at 3:00pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event by King Boston
Kick off the Juneteenth weekend within the heart of Boston at Nubian Square Business District with the most cherished of urban traditions- a block party. The Embrace Ideas Block Party will celebrate artistic expression through a lively party that will include some of the city's best turntablists: SuperSmashBroz, Slick Vick, ReaL P with SILK OUTSIDE. Learn more.
Juneteenth Chalk Mural with Zahirah Nur Truth on the Dartmouth Street Plaza
Friday, June 17th at 3:30pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event by the Boston Public Library
Join artist Zahirah Nur Truth as she and kids of all ages work together to create a chalk mural to celebrate Juneteenth. Chalk will be provided. The program will begin at 3:30 on Friday, June 17th, on the Dartmouth Street plaza of the McKim Building of the Central Library. Outdoor programs may be canceled or moved indoors in inclement weather. Learn more.
Juneteenth Story Time: Juneteenth for Mazie Reading & Giveaway! (Roxbury)
Friday, June 17th at 4:00pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event by the Boston Public Library
In honor of Juneteenth, branch libraries of BPL are hosting a number of fun activities for their young patrons. Written and illustrated by award-winning creator Floyd Cooper, Juneteenth for Mazie is a beautifully illustrated picture book for young children that describes the significance of June 19th and its commemoration of African Americans' freedom from slavery. In lyrical prose, Maize learns about her history and develops pride and delight in the story of her people's fierce struggle for liberation. Learn more.
Juneteenth at Hale—Special Film Screening: "Memoirs of a Black Girl" (2021)
Friday, June 17th at 6:00pm (EST) | Event Fee: Donation
An In-Person Event by Hale Education, Inc.
Join writer and director Thato Rantao Mwosa for a special screening and discussion of "Memoirs of a Black Girl" (2021). “Memoirs of a Black Girl is a coming-of-age story of a girl and her friends who are forced to grow up and make tough decisions. Aisha Johnson, an astute and bright student, is one of the finalists for a coveted scholarship. One day after Aisha does the right thing, her life spirals out of control and her once-promising future is in jeopardy. Aisha learns to survive, navigate life at school and on the streets of Roxbury while keeping her eyes on the prize." Click here to watch the trailer. Learn more.
J is for Juneteenth! An Interactive Musical Story Time featuring Little Uprisings (Hyde Park)
Saturday, June 18th at 10:00am (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event by the Boston Public Library
Do you know the ABC’s of Black History...? Join racial justice education organization Little Uprisings in the days leading up to the holiday for an interactive musical Story Time celebrating Juneteenth! Equipped with their very own copies of The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez, our young participants will learn more about Juneteenth by creating puppets of themselves, learning to walk through a history replete with examples of Black excellence! Learn more.
J is for Juneteenth! An Interactive Musical Story Time featuring Little Uprisings (Grove Hall)
Saturday, June 18th at 12:30pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event by the Boston Public Library
Do you know the ABC’s of Black History...? Join racial justice education organization Little Uprisings in the days leading up to the holiday for an interactive musical Story Time celebrating Juneteenth! Equipped with their very own copies of The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez, our young participants will learn more about Juneteenth by creating puppets of themselves, learning to walk through a history replete with examples of Black excellence! Learn more.
Juneteenth Unlimited presented by Wee the People
Saturday, June 18th at 10:30am (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event by Thomas Crane Public Library
Get ready for a summer celebration of freedom and resilience with Juneteenth Unlimited presented by social justice project Wee the People! In this interactive workshop, we'll explore the story of Juneteenth, the oldest commemoration of the outlawing of slavery in the United States. Through stories, craft-making, and a Jubilee teach-in, we'll honor the joy, struggle, and radical resistance of Black Americans then and now. This program is best suited for children ages 6 and older accompanied by an adult. Learn more.
First Annual Juneteenth Celebration Festival
Saturday, June 18th at 11:00am (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event African American Association of Brockton
Join the African American Association of Brockton as we host our First Annual Juneteenth Celebration! Come enjoy music, performances, games, vendors and much much more! More details to follow! Learn more.
Art on the Plaza: Celebrating Juneteenth!
Saturday, June 18th at 12:00pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event MassArt Art Museum
This summer, gather on the Arne Glimcher Plaza at MAAM for Art on the Plaza, a new series featuring artmaking and fun for all ages! The Plaza will come to life with outdoor activities and music for our neighbors in Fenway, Mission Hill, Roxbury, and beyond. All are welcome! Learn more.
A Juneteenth Celebration for All Ages With Roxbury-based artist, Ifé Franklin
Saturday, June 18th at 3:00pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event by First Parish of Norwell Unitarian Universalist Church
Learn about the story of Juneteenth through interactive story, art and song. Snacks and drinks will be provided- plus Juneteenth book giveaways. Learn more.
Saturday, June 18th at 4:00pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event by Hingham Unity Council
ALL are welcome to meet us near the bandstand at Hingham Harbor from 4-6pm on June 18th. Food, live music from Big Redd’s House, the Black National Anthem performed by Rakeem Andre (acclaimed gospel singer who performed with the Boston pops on Saturday 6/11/22!!!), a dance performance by Youth Acquiring Knowledge (YAK), presentation of the student winners of the Juneteenth expression contest and more! Fun for all ages! Yummy bbq from Morell's for purchase too so come hungry! Learn more.
Juneteenth at Hale—Playback Theatre and Discussion
Saturday, June 18th at 4:00pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event by Hale Education, Inc.
The Playback Experience and Westwood High School's “Let’s Talk About Race" committee will help the community look at itself through theater. Learn more.
Saturday, June 18th at 5:00pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event by The Emancipator
In celebration of Juneteenth, The Emancipator is bringing together local artists and educators to present a FREE, multimedia community event centered around themes of freedom, emancipation, and resistance. The event will take place at the iconic Slade’s Bar and Grill in Roxbury Crossing. The program will feature local artists’ personal interpretations, performances, and expressions of freedom and emancipation. Learn more.
Juneteenth Poetry Slam - An Evening of Rhythm, Rhymes, and Reparations
Saturday, June 18th at 7:30pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
A Virtual & In-Person Event by Nubian Gallery
DiDi Delgado and #DoneForDiDi are hosting a hybrid (online & in-person)poetry slam on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at Nubian Gallery in celebration of Juneteenth - a day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans in the US. This event is a poetry slam, a community celebration, a commemoration and celebration, and a manifestation of awareness for 40 Acres And A School! Learn more.
Juneteenth Freedom Day: Celebrating Black Joy
Sunday, June 19th at 1:00pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event by the Cambridge Families of Color Coalition
On June 19th Cambridge Families of Color Coalition will be celebrating Juneteenth, through the arts, at Starlight Square in Central Sq. We will center JOY on this day with live performances from our youth. The Cambridge Families of Color Coalition (CFCC) is calling in the entire city to celebrate Juneteenth together in a joyous community. Learn more.
Juneteenth at Hale—Music, Poetry, and Dance
Sunday, June 19th at 1:00pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event by Hale Education, Inc.
Malick Ngom drums, Zakiyyah Sutton sings, Cole Rodriguez and Art Collins speak truth, and OrigiNation moves to engage community. Learn more.
Sunday, June 19th at 3:00pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event by Boston Community Gardens, The Trustees and Dorchester Food Co-op
Celebrate Juneteenth at Dorchester's beautiful Nightingale Community Garden with an afternoon of music, dancing, spoken word poetry, and tasty snacks & drinks for sale from local artists and vendors. Free & open to all, 512 Park Street. Learn more.
Sunday, June 19th at 4:00pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
An In-Person Event
Please come to our third Annual Dorchester Juneteenth event. There will be food, live music, a liberation art table, and speakers. This year's focus is housing Justice. Learn more.
A Juneteenth Celebration with Lisa Stringfellow & Quintin Collins
Sunday, June 19th at 4:00pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0 – $16.99
An In-Person Event by Brookline Booksmith
In person at Brookline Booksmith! Celebrate Juneteenth with writers Lisa Stringfellow and Quintin Collins, in conversation with bookseller Lauren James. Learn more.
Annette Gordon-Reed — On Juneteenth
Monday, June 20th at 6:00pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
A Virtual Event by the Boston Public Library
For this Pulitzer and National Book Award-winning historian, also a proud Texas native and descendant of Texas slaves, the story of Juneteenth has special resonance. On Juneteenth presents the saga of a frontier defined as much by the slave plantation owner as the mythic cowboy, rancher, or oilman. Learn more.
GlobeDocs Presents: 'Savages, Servants And Specialty Acts'
Tuesday, June 21st at 5:00pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
A Virtual Event by The Boston Globe
Slavery never ended. It is time we break the chains! While the physical enslavement of Africans may have been abolished in the United States in 1865, the mental enslavement of Blacks worldwide continues. Savages, Servants and Specialty Acts demonstrates how Black Identity is largely dictated by The White Imagination. Using rare film clips and archival footage, Film historian Charles Woods demonstrates how we were indoctrinated into a belief system of White Supremacy and Black Inferiority through the use of the motion picture and perpetuates itself in all mass media. From the Tarzan movies of the 1930s to Black Panther and Queen & Slim, the subversive tricks still exist—even when Black filmmakers are in control. Join Boston Globe culture columnist, Jeneé Osterheldt, and director Michael Dennis in this virtual discussion about the film, 'Savages, Servants And Specialty Acts'. Learn more.
Wednesday, June 22nd at 5:30pm (EST) | Event Fee: $0
A Virtual & In-Person Event by GBH, The Boston Globe, the NAACP Boston Branch, The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and GBH WORLD
This event will feature a mixture of conversation and musical expression highlighting the positive experiences and aspirations of people of color. This event will be hosted by GBH’s Dan Lothian, feature a conversation with The Boston Globe’s Culture Columnist Jeneé Osterheldt and Boston Poet Laureate Porsha Olayiwola, highlight conversations about Black joy, and feature a performance by hip hop/rap artist “Oompa.” Learn more.
Featured Columns
Mailing List
Join our Mailing List