There are many planned celebrations happening across the Greater Boston area for the Juneteenth Holiday! Juneteenth was first recognized in Massachusetts in 2020 with a proclamation signed by Governor Charlie Baker. This holiday not only marks the end of slavery in Texas, which completed the national emancipation, but also it focuses on the continued work towards racial justice.
See below of just some of the celebrations that will be occurring:
Friday, June 17th
Juneteenth Rally/March through Roxbury at 3PM. The March will begin at 120 MLK Blvd and end at the Blair Lot in Nubian Square, Roxbury MA. “This March is 1.6 miles long and includes Black culture, heritage and brilliance. Juneteenth has become not only a time to commemorate Black liberation from the institution of slavery, but also a time to highlight the resilience, solidarity, and culture of the Black community.”
Nubian Square Juneteenth Festival from 3PM – 7PM at the Nubian Square Blair Lot at 4 Palmer Av Street in Roxbury. 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.”
Saturday, June 18th
Juneteenth Carson Beach Day at 1PM – 7PM. It will be a family beach day at Carson Beach on Day Boulevard in Dorchester.
Art on the Plaza: Celebrating Juneteenth at 12PM – 4PM on 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,”
Sunday, June 19th
Freedom March and Juneteenth Celebration at 10AM starting at Florida Ruffin Ridley School, 345 Harvard Street.
Juneteenth Family Celebrations starting at 12PM featuring performances, vendors, art exhibits, and kids’ activities at Newton North High School.
Cambridge Families of Color Coalition starting at 1PM – 3PM. They will be celebrating Juneteenth at Starlight Square in Central Square at 84 Bishop Allen Drive, Lot 5.
Juneteenth Royalty Gala at Bruce Bolling Municipal Building, ticket costs are $55-$75.
Monday, June 20th
Juneteenth Celebration at the MFA at 10AM – 5PM. 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.