On June 19th, 1865, the last enslaved African Americans were finally informed of their liberation in Texas, a full two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was decreed - and therefore could be considered the true beginning of the liberation of Black people in America (clearly, we still have a long way to go!). Juneteenth is celebrated in the Black community and in family gatherings, and last year Pennsylvania declared it a state holiday.
Today, we in America celebrate July 4th as our "Independence Day" but of course, July 4th 1776 does not recognize that a huge percentage of our country was not and would not be independent or free. Juneteenth could rightfully be considered our nation's true Independence Day.
We at Cambridge Naturals, along with our partners at The Sustainable Business Network, Cambridge Local First, and The Williams Agency encourage everyone to take time this coming Friday, June 19 to commemorate and celebrate this important national holiday. There are several ways to celebrate Juneteenth this Friday, locally!
Juneteenth Celebrations (Online!)
A Juneteenth Black Winegrower Celebration hosted by TJ of The Urban Grape
Boston’s 10th Annual Juneteenth Emancipation Observance 2020
Malden Juneteenth Flag Raising, Performances, Proclamation
Virtual Celebration with the MFA (including a panel with Trillfit owner Heather White!)
Poetry As Protest: Dr. Malcolm Tariq and Camara Brown in partnership with the Museum of African American History. Register here!
Songs of Freedom: A Black Music Month Tribute & Fundraiser by Darryl's Corner Bar And Kitchen, Roxbury
In honor of Juneteenth, Boston JerkFest is excited to feature Nahdra and Jahriffe, owners of Oasis Vegan Veggie Parlor in Dorchester.
“Food for the Body, Food for the Soul” presented by Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire. A virtual concert, cooking class and community dialogue live from the Portsmouth African Burying Ground.
And - Sign the Petition to make Juneteeth a National Holiday!
Support these Black-owned Businesses in Boston!
Photo: The Urban Grape
To drink: The Urban Grape in the South End
To eat: Fasika Ethiopian Cafe in Roxbury
For dessert: Tipping Cow Ice Cream in Somerville
For another dessert: Clarke’s Cakes and Cookies in Dorchester
To read: Frugal Bookstore in Roxbury
To give to your loved one: Giselle’s Flowers & Gifts in Roxbury
To get a trim: Sly’s Barber Shop in Cambridge
To learn: Spokehouse- Bowdoin Bike School in Dorchester
To exercise: Trillfit live, online classes in Mission Hill
P.S.! Consider using BlackBoston.com to search for Black-owned businesses in Massachusetts!
