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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Juneteenth events in Boston
Celebrate Little Uprisings with BPL
Celebrate Juneteenth with Little Uprisings
South End | Monday, June 2, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Children will learn about Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth in the program “Opal Lee Leaves a Legacy” in this interactive workshop. With music provided by Tony Leva and facilitation by Tanya Nixon-Silberg, we will walk through…
Celebrate Juneteenth with Little Uprisings
Parker Hill | Tuesday, June 03, 11:00am–12:00pm
Children will learn about Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth in the program “Opal Lee Leaves a Legacy” in this interactive workshop. With music provided by Tony Leva and facilitation by Tanya Nixon-Silberg, we will walk through…
Celebrate Juneteenth with Little Uprisings
Codman Square | Wednesday, June 04, 11:00am–12:00pm
Children will learn about Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth in the program “Opal Lee Leaves a Legacy” in this interactive workshop. With music provided by Tony Leva and facilitation by Tanya Nixon-Silberg, we will walk through…
Celebrate Juneteenth with Little Uprisings
Charlestown | Thursday, June 05, 11:00am–12:00pm
Children will learn about Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth in the program “Opal Lee Leaves a Legacy” in this interactive workshop. With music provided by Tony Leva and facilitation by Tanya Nixon-Silberg, we will walk through…
Celebrate Juneteenth with Little Uprisings
Hyde Park | Friday, June 06, 11:00am–12:00pm
Children will learn about Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth in the program “Opal Lee Leaves a Legacy” in this interactive workshop. With music provided by Tony Leva and facilitation by Tanya Nixon-Silberg, we will walk through…
Celebrate Juneteenth with Little Uprisings
Chinatown | Monday, June 09, 11:00am–12:00pm
Children will learn about Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth in the program “Opal Lee Leaves a Legacy” in this interactive workshop. With music provided by Tony Leva and facilitation by Tanya Nixon-Silberg, we will walk through…
Supporting Black-owned Businesses
List of Black- and Brown-owned Businesses in Boston
Businesses owned by Black and Brown Bostonians are integral to our social and economic fabric. That's true whether they have been here for generations or recently arrived. This list is meant to showcase our businesses that have Black and Brown owners.
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.
Juneteenth Celebration
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