14TH ANNUAL BOSTON JUNETEENTH EMANCIPATION OBSERVANCE
SAVE THE DATE
June 19th, 2023
The Museum of the NCAAA
300 Walnut Ave.
Roxbury, MA 02119
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SAVE THE DATE
BOSTON JUNETEENTH 2024 COUNTDOWN
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19TH, 2024
Who is the Boston Juneteenth Committee?
The Boston Juneteenth Committee is a volunteer-based community education initiative in partnership with The Museum of the National Center of Afro American Artists. The committee is especially known for the Juneteenth Emancipation Observance and the Big Head Community Festival. Both of these annual events promote civic and cultural engagement and increase knowledge about our shared heritage.
What is Juneteenth?
In 2021, President Biden recognized Juneteenth as a national/federal holiday, Juneteenth is the longest running commemoration/celebration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
The celebration originated in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 after General Granger publicly announced his Order No. 3.
Emancipation Day celebrations across the South have been held on different days throughout the year.
Juneteenth is recognized as the last time and place a public proclamation of freedom was given after the end of the Civil War. It has been held annually since its inception and has spread to different cities. The community gatherings always include food, speakers, music, and reflection.
General Granger’s Order #3
The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.”
—General Orders, Number 3
Our Previous themes
juneteenth: honoring our martyrs and heroes
2023
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PURPOSEFUL ACTION ANCHORED IN TRUTH
2022
INTERROGATING JUNETEENTH: HISTORY AS TEACHER
2021
NUBIA: A SHARED VISION, A SHARED COMMITMENT
2020
PREPARATIONS FOR REPARATIONS: IN REVERENCE OF OUR ANCESTORS
2019
FREEDOM OUR UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2018
UNTIL WE ARE ALL FREE
2017
STANDING IN UNITY: HONORING FATHERS AND SONS
2016
FROM EMANCIPATION TO SELMA TO FERGUSON
2015
FROM EMANCIPATION TO FREEDOM:
VISION, KNOWLEDGE, ECONOMY
2014
REMEMBERING RALPH F. BROWNE, JR.
2013
JUNETEENTH EMANCIPATION OBSERVANCE 2012
2012
JUNETEENTH EMANCIPATION OBSERVANCE 2011
2011
National Juneteenth Flag, Created by Ben Haith
2023 boston juneteenth highlights
Ralph F. Browne Awardees
Anthony A. Gray, MSN, RN
Faulkner Hospital nurse, Author of 'A Soul to Care'
Carrie Mays
UMass Boston student, Boston Reparations Task Force Member
Keynote Speaker
Tania Fernandes-Anderson
City Councilor for District 7
Creator of the National Juneteenth Flag
Ben Haith