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 1863 Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth highlights the resilience, strength, and culture of African American and Black communities but also serves as a reminder of the continuous 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 Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
In the cof community
Light it Up Red
“Light It Up Red” is an initiative to commemorate Juneteenth, a holiday that marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. In honor of this significant day, COF Colleges of the Fenway institutions will illuminate their buildings and landmarks in red. This display symbolizes unity, resilience, and the ongoing fight for racial equality. By participating in “Light It Up Red,” COF aims to honor the history and culture of African Americans, celebrate their achievements, and promote awareness and education about the importance of Juneteenth.
Emmanuel College: Bell Tower of the Eisner Administrative building
Massachusetts College of Art and Design: Treehouse will be lit up red on June 17-21!
MCPHS: Matricaria Entrance & sign at the corner of Palace Rd and Longwood
Simmons University: Main Campus Building along the Fenway
Wentworth Institute of Technology: The leopard as well as the Wentworth sign at the West lot will light up red!
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 well-being, aiming to create an equitable city where all people can prosper.
For 2024, the Embrace Ideas Festival will be held on Tuesday, June 18th, Thursday, June 20th, and Friday, June 21st. There will be guest speakers, free musical performances, keynote speakers, food, and networking opportunities. Registration and payment are required for the festival. However, Embrace Boston will also be hosting free programming throughout June.
Check out their website for more details, and follow on Instagram @embracebos
Institute of contemporary Art Boston
The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is offering free admission to any ticket holder on June 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in celebration of Juneteenth.
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.
Check out Meet Boston for information on this year’s program.
Isabella Stewart Gardener museum
Admission to the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum will be free in recognition of Juneteenth. Guests are also invited to participate in the specialty programming from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on June 19th, 2024. This year’s programming is curated to celebrate black artists of Boston. Check out their website for more details.
Boston Public library
The Boston Public Library will be hosting an array of Juneteenth orientated activities for the month of June. All events will be free and open to the public, but it is recommended to have a library card just in order to register. Check out their calendar for more information on this year’s programming.
Museum of Fine Arts
On June 19th, 2024, admission to the museum and all specialty exhibits will be free in recognition of Juneteenth. Throughout the day, there will be free programming for any age. From story time and face painting, to tours and seminars. Check out the Museum of Fine Arts website and calendar for more details.
More resources
- EventBrite for more Juneteenth events, parties, and celebrations.