Juneteenth 2022: Celebrations across the Boston area
Celebrations are being planned across Greater Boston to celebrate Juneteenth, which became a federal holiday last year.
Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in Texas, which completed national emancipation. Juneteenth was first recognized in Massachusetts in 2020 with a proclamation signed by Governor Charlie Baker. Many of the local celebrations focus on the work needed to achieve racial justice.
There are many celebrations planned throughout the are over the long weekend. Here are a few:
On Friday, June 17th, Juneteenth Boston and The Nubian Square Foundation kick off a weekend of events with a rally and march through Roxbury “showcasing what Black brilliance and Black resilience looks like.” The rally begins at 3:00 p.m. at Melnea Cass Arena.
Also on Friday, June 17th, King Boston is hosting the Nubian Square Juneteenth Festival from 3:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m. at the Nubian Square Blair Lot at 4 Palmer Av Street in Roxbury. Organizers say the event “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. This evening celebration will be a joyful night of dancing, music, community, and delicious food provided by the area’s best BIPOC-owned food trucks will transform Nubian Square into the hottest party in town.”
The American Red Cross is looking to raise awareness and increase much-needed blood donations from diverse blood donors through a series of blood drives connected with the Juneteenth federal holiday.
Sunday, June 19th’s blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Waymark SDA Church, 1048 Dorchester Ave. Dorchester.
Monday, June 20th’s blood drive is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dorchester YMCA, 776 Washington St. Dorchester.
On Saturday, June 18th, Juneteenth Boston is holding a free Carson Beach Day starting at noon and running through 7:00 p.m. at Cason Beach on Day Boulevard in Boston.
The Mass Art Museum is hosting Art on the Plaza: Celebrating Juneteenth on Saturday, June 18th from 12:00 pm. - 4:00 p.m. at 621 Huntington Avenue. “The Plaza will come to life with outdoor activities and music for our neighbors in Fenway, Mission Hill, Roxbury, and beyond. All are welcome,” according to organizers.
Brookline is hosting a Juneteenth celebration on Sunday, June 19th with a Freedom March and Juneteenth Celebration at the Brookline Avenue Playground starting at 10:00 a.m. with a march that starts at the Florida Ruffin Ridley School, 345 Harvard Street.
On Sunday, June 19th, Families Organizing for Racial Justice at Newton North High School will host a free Juneteenth Family Celebration starting at 12:00 p.m. featuring performances, vendors, art exhibits, and kids’ activities.
On June 19th the Cambridge Families of Color Coalition will be celebrating Juneteenth, through the arts, at Starlight Square in Central Square. The event runs from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 84 Bishop Allen Drive, lot 5.
On Sunday, June 19th, Juneteenth Boston is planning a Juneteenth Royalty Gala at the Bruce Bolling Municipal Building. Tickets cost $55-$75.
On Monday, June 20th, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is holding several events to mark Juneteenth, Tickets are available in person on a first-come, first-served basis. Courtesy of Citizens, admission to the MFA—including access to “Turner’s Modern World” and other special exhibitions—is free for all Massachusetts residents on June 20 in honor of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally observed commemoration of the ending of slavery in the US.
In Boston, city offices will be closed on Monday, when the holiday is observed. Sunday parking rules will be in effect. Boston Public Libraries and BCYF Community Centers are closed.
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