Juneteenth rally in Boston on June 22, 2020. Photo: Getty Images
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Saturday is Juneteenth, which marks the anniversary of the end of slavery in the United States.
Acting Mayor Kim Janey announced Wednesday that for the first time, the city of Boston will officially observe Juneteenth as a state holiday on Monday, June 21, 2021.
Here are the Juneteenth events happening in Boston:
1. Virtual book talk: ‘On Juneteenth’ — Thursday, June 17, 6-7 p.m.
Boston Athenaeum is hosting a virtual talk with Annette Gordon-Reed, the author of “On Juneteenth.” It's free and open to the public. Registration is requested.
2. Boston Public Library Juneteenth Celebration — Friday, June 18, 3-3:30 p.m.
Librarian Maija will share a story to celebrate the holiday, as well as a brief explanation and a booklist. The event is for children and families. It will be livestreamed on the Children's Library Facebook page.
3. One Night In Boston — Friday, June 18, 6:30-11:30 p.m.
The free event, organized by King Boston, will be held in Nubian Square at the JazzUrbane Cafe. It's meant to serve as the "inaugural launch of an annual Juneteenth collaboration." It will include music performances and a film premier.
4. 'Miss Juneteenth' Film Screening — Friday, June 18, 8-10:30 p.m.
The film "Miss Juneteenth" will be screened outdoors at the Loring Greenough House. It is $5 for adult members and $7 for adult non-members. The film isn't suitable for children.
5. Museum of Fine Arts Boston's Juneteenth Community Celebration — Saturday, June 19, 10 a.m-10 p.m.
The Museum of Fine Arts will have a day of activities and programs to celebrate Juneteenth. Some programs include making art inspired by Jean-Michael Basquit, as well as a concert curated by BAMS Fest. The MFA is free on Saturday in honor of the holiday.
6. Community Music Center of Boston's Juneteenth Ensembles Concert — Saturday, June 19, 6 p.m.
The free concert will feature work from black composers, like Adolphus Hailstork, Jordyn Davis, and Thomas Greene Wiggins. You can watch the concert on YouTube.
7. Interrogating Juneteenth: History As A Teacher — Saturday, June 19, 11 a.m.
Boston's Juneteenth Committee and the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists will present the 11th annual Juneteenth Emancipation Observance. The event is virtual, and will air on BNN and will be livestreamed online.
8. Juneteenth: Opera In The Key Of Freedom — Saturday, June 19, 12:30 p.m.
North End Music and Performing Arts Center will feature music from black composers, including William Grant Still, Scott Joplin, and the Chevalier de Saint-Georges. It will be streamed virtually.
9. Black Feminisms Part I: Freedom Fête, Juneteenth Virtual Party — Saturday, June 19, 1-5 p.m.
deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is putting on a virtual dance party that will explore musical innovation as part of the Black legacy. The event is free to the public.
10. 'Of Willie Mae': Film Premiere And Juneteenth Celebration — Saturday, June 19, 12-4 p.m.
The film will premiere at the Black Market Nubian in Roxbury. It is based on the book "The Slave Narrative of Willie Mae" by Ifé Franklin. The event is free to the public.
11. Juneteenth Paint Party At Dorchester Art Project — Saturday, June 19, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Dorchester Art Project and SN Art Studio will guide participants "through step-by-step instructions to create a beautiful canvas painting that celebrates our Freedom." Tickets are $25. Admission includes painting supplies.
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