On June 19, 1865, enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas received news that they were finally free. Since then, June 19 has become a day of celebration, particularly for Black communities. It was not, however, observed as a federal holiday until 2021.
If you are interested in honoring this monumental day in history, check out some of these events across the North Shore this year.
Flag raisings, various towns | June 11-20
Cities and towns throughout the North Shore are celebrating Juneteenth by raising the holiday’s official flag. Some of these events will include gatherings, readings, and speeches by public officials. Visit the North Shore Juneteenth Association’s website to find an event near you.
Juneteenth Jubilee, Lowell | June 15, 12-6 p.m.
Grab a lawn chair and head to Lowell’s Muldoon Park to enjoy games, videos, giveaways, free gumbo, and more. Lowell Library’s Bookmobile will be there with a curated selection of books and audio, and the whole family – including pets – is welcome. More details available at blacklowellcoalition.com/events.
Gloucester Juneteenth Celebration, Gloucester | June 16, 12-4 p.m.
The Cape Ann Museum’s fourth annual Juneteenth celebration and festival, will feature live music, an exhibition dance battle, readings from Frederick Douglass’ work, food trucks, art activities, face painting, and book and seed giveaways. For more details, visit capeannmuseum.org/event/gloucester-juneteenth-celebration.
Crys Matthews show, Newburyport | June 16
See the Nashville singer-songwriter hailed as the next Woody Guthrie perform as part of the Belleville Roots Music Series. Learn more about Matthews and buy tickets at bellevilleroots.org.
Origin film showing and conversation, Beverly | June 18 and 19
Visit The Cabot on June 18 for a free screening of Origin, Ava Duvernay’s movie depicting writer Isabelle Wilkerson’s investigations for her acclaimed book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. Then return the following day for community conversation about the issues raised in the film. Register for the events at thecabot.org/whats-on.
Juneteenth Celebration, Lynn | June 22, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The North Shore Juneteenth Association and Lynn Museum/LynnArts are again partnering to bring a Juneteenth celebration to Lynn. The event will feature live music, performances, vendors, food, and lots of chances to learn, including a workshop on archiving family documents to preserve history for generations to come. More details can be found at lynnmuseum.org/events/juneteenth-festival-2024.