Juneteenth is a nationally recognized holiday commemorating the emancipation of all enslaved African Americans in the US. Known as “America’s second Independence Day,” “Black Independence,” “Jubilee Day,” among other names, Juneteenth marks June 19th, 1865, the day that the final enslaved African Americans in Texas were liberated – two years after Lincoln’s 1963 Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth highlights the resilience, strength, and culture of African American and Black communities but also serves as a reminder of the continual struggle for racial equality, social and political equity, and fair economic opportunities. Juneteenth is a reminder that institutions need to adapt to the demands of society in order to be inclusive and empowering to all.
In Massachusetts, Gov. Deval Patrick, Boston’s first African American governor, signed a proclamation to recognize Juneteenth in 2007. Charlie Baker established Juneteenth as an official holiday in 2020. Nationally, Juneteenth was first recognized in 2021 under the Biden administration.
Colleges of the Fenway will observe Juneteenth on Monday, June 19, 2023.
In the cof community
Light it Up Red
The color red is significant to Juneteenth in both culinary celebrations and a representation of the bloodshed endured by enslaved people in the United States. In the Colleges of the Fenway community, we honor this by creating red illuminations at campus landmarks. Here’s where you can see our COF campuses “Light It Up Red”:
- Emmanuel:
- Massart: Treehouse
- MCPHS: Lamp lights along Longwood Avenue, Longwood Avenue entrance, and the MCPHS sign at the corner of Longwood Avenue and Palace Road
- Simmons:
- Wentworth:
Embrace Ideas Festival
Embrace Boston is a local nonprofit whose goal is to dismantle structural institutional and cultural racism through the empowerment of the Black community. By highlighting the intersectionality of art, culture, community representations, research and policy, Embrace Boston strives to rewrite harmful narratives of the black community, and replace them with narratives of joy, love, and wellbeing, aiming to create an equitable city where all people can prosper.
For 2023, the Embrace Ideas Festival will be held Wednesday June 14th, Thursday June 15, and Friday June 16th, 2023. There will be guest speakers, free musical performances, keynote speakers, food, and networking opportunities.
Check out their website for more details, and follow on Instagram @embracebos
Boston Juneteenth
The Boston Juneteenth Committee and the Museum of the National Center of Afro American Artists (NCAAA) are presenting their 13th Annual Juneteenth Emancipation Observance on Monday June 19th, 2023 in various neighborhoods of Boston, MA.
With a theme of “Juneteenth: Honoring Our Martyrs and Heroes,” there will be a Flag Raising, Parade from 183 Roxbury St to Museum of the NCAAA, and the Emancipation Observance Program featuring a keynote speaker, awards, food, music, art, retail, and activities for all ages.
Check out their website for more details, RSVP for free, or walk in the parade.
Red Sox
On June 18th, 2023, the Boston Red Sox will hold a commemorative Juneteenth baseball game at Fenway Park against the New York Yankees. Ticket holders who purchase via this special offer will receive a Red Sox jersey in Juneteenth colors, as well as access to a private pre-game social in The 521 Overlook with complimentary light food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Museum of Fine Arts
On June 19th, 2023, the MFA will offer free admission to exhibits to all MA residents. There will be a spotlight talk and a new art exhibit called, “Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina“ that honors the work and legacy of the enslaved men, women, and children.
More resources
- EventBrite for more Juneteenth events, parties, and celebrations.