Celebrating Juneteenth in Boston
Learn more about how the City of Boston is honoring the anniversary of the day in 1865 when all enslaved people had been informed that they were free.
Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 that Union soldiers, led by General Gordon Granger, reached Galveston, Texas. They announced to the state that the Civil War was over and that all enslaved persons had been declared free.
Although the Emancipation Proclamation had become official over two years prior, the institution of slavery remained untouched in areas beyond Union control. In taking control over the state, the Union effectively liberated the remaining slaves in Texas. They also ended this specific form of slavery in America.
The City of Boston officially observed Juneteenth as a state holiday for the first time on June 21, 2021, as allowed by the Commonwealth’s order issued in 2020. Juneteenth is a day to gather with loved ones, celebrate Black lives, and reflect and recognize the struggle for liberation in America.
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Supporting Black-owned Businesses
Black-founded or Black-run arts organizations in Boston
We've put together a directory of local Black-founded and Black-run arts organizations.
All Inclusive Boston Campaign
Boston is rich with Black culture, heritage, and history. It shows in our restaurants, boutiques, and bookstores. Check out the visitor's guide to Black Boston.
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