Juneteenth and Pride Month 2024
Brynne GormanIn honor of Juneteenth and Pride Month, this month’s reading selection delves into the rich history of Juneteenth and the ongoing struggle for gay rights. We celebrate the resilience and courage of those who fought for freedom and equality. Join us as we explore these important narratives and reflect on their enduring significance. Be sure to check out the list of events taking place this month to celebrate Juneteenth and Pride Month. Next month the DEI Corner will focus on LWVMA’s Reparations Study.
Pan-African Flag
Progress Pride Flag
Galveston, Texas: June 19, 1865. On this day, U.S. soldiers led by General Gordon Granger arrived to take control of Texas and to read General Order No. 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 rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection therefore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer.” During the Civil War, Texas didn’t experience much fighting, and the Union Army wasn’t a significant presence there, so slavery continued unchallenged. In fact, Texas was the last state reached by federal troops, fully two and half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Emancipation did not happen immediately for all of the state’s 250,000 enslaved people; nevertheless, the news sparked spontaneous celebrations among newly freed Black people. This was the beginning of Juneteenth, a day to commemorate the Emancipation Proclamation. Further progress was made in December of that year, with the adoption of the 13th Amendment, formally abolishing slavery in the country. On June 19 in 1866, freed people in Texas held Jubilee Day, which came to be celebrated every year with music, barbecues, prayer services, and other festivities. As Black people began to move to other states, Juneteenth traditions spread with them. After a brief decline in the mid-twentieth century, observing Juneteenth became increasingly popular across the country, and today, this Black Independence Day is celebrated widely.
In 1979, Texas declared Juneteenth an official holiday, setting the stage for other states to follow. In June 2021, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution making Juneteenth a federal holiday, and it was signed into law by President Biden.
New York City, June 28, 1969. On this day, city police officers arrived at Christopher Street in Greenwich Village to raid the Stonewall Inn, a bar popular with gay and lesbian people. This was not unusual. In the postwar period, civil rights were generally denied to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, and in many cities, police would routinely raid their gathering places. However, at Stonewall, people began to fight back. The conflict rapidly escalated into six days of protesting and violent confrontation between supporters of the gay community and the police. When the riots finally ended on July 2, 1969, the previously ignored gay rights movement was picked up by the media, and it became news all over the world. The following year on June 28, activists marched in what was called the Christopher Street Liberation Day March to commemorate the Stonewall Riots. Over time, this became known as the Gay Pride Parade, and the event is thought to be the first gay pride parade in the country. It drew thousands of people and stretched 51 city blocks. That year, there were also parades in Chicago, Los Angles, and San Francisco.
Today there are gay pride events all over the world, in small towns and villages as well as cities. In 2000, President Bill Clinton designated June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, and in 2009, President Obama renamed it with the more inclusive Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Month. In addition to New York, other cities, such as Sao Paulo, Sydney, Madrid, Taipei, and Toronto have huge Pride celebrations. They are also held in places where anti-gay sentiment runs high, such as Serbia, Russia, and Turkey, and there they represent crucial protests against repression.
The following lists of Juneteenth and Pride events around Massachusetts are organized by city/town. Please note that the lists are not exhaustive but contain only the information we received from League members and what we found from limited Internet searches. Many thanks to all the people who contributed to the lists.
Juneteenth Events
Amherst
What: Juneteenth Annual Celebration, day-long event: “Chains to Change: Honoring Amherst’s Everyday Heroes:” memorial service, historic walk, children’s activities, presentation on civil rights and voter suppression, story slam “Chains to Change”
When: 15 June, 11 am-8 pm (story slam 7 pm)
Where: begins with memorial service at West Cemetery, Triangle St, Amherst
Who: Open to the public, free, registration required for story slam, optional 19$ donation
Amherst
What: Jubilee on the Common: food, music, community
When: 16 June, 12-7 pm
Where: Town Common, Amherst
Who: Open to the public, free
Check amherstindy.org later in June to confirm date.
Boston
What: A Juneteenth Celebration, Boston Landmarks Orchestra
When: 15 June, 4-5:30 pm
Where: Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps, Community Center, 650 Dudley, St, Boston
Who: Open to public, free, reservation required
URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-juneteenth-celebration-tickets-891079170787?aff=ebdsreoeymlcollection
Boston
What: 14th Annual Boston Juneteenth Emancipation Observance: Flag Raising, Parade from Roxbury Heritage
When: 19 June, 12-7 pm; flag raising 12:30 pm, parade 2 pm; program 4pm
Where: Parade from Roxbury Heritage State Park (183 Roxbury St) to Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists, 300 Walnut Ave, Boston
Who: Open to the public, free
Bridgewater
What: Juneteenth Flag Raising; speakers, music
When: 17 June, 3:30 pm
Where: Academy Building, 66 Central Square, Bridgewater
Who: Open to the public, free
URL: https://www.bccrcivilrights.org/juneteenth.html
Bridgewater
What: Annual Juneteenth Celebration: food, craft vendors, entertainment, speakers
When: 22 June 1-6 pm, rain date 23 June
Where: University Park at Bridgewater State University, 351 Great Hill Ave, Bridgewater
Who: Open to the public, free
URL: https://www.bccrcivilrights.org/juneteenth.html
Brockton
What: Wee the People at Fuller Craft: Juneteenth Unlimited: Blackness, Buttons, and Flag-Making Galore!
When: 15 June, 1-3 pm
Where: Fuller Craft Museum, 455 Oak St, Brockton
Who: Open to the public, free, registration required
Brockton
What: Juneteenth Celebration
When: 15 June, 2 pm
Where: Brockton Public Library, 204 Main St, Brockton
Who: Open to the public, free
Brookline
What: Juneteenth Block Party: Family Reunion Edition; family-friendly fun
When: 19 June, 12-6 pm
Where: Florida Ruffin Ridley School, 345 Harvard St, Brookline
Who: Open to the public, free
URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-block-party-a-family-reunion-tickets-731899139027
Brookline
What: 4th Annual Town of Brookline Juneteenth Celebration: Freedom March, entertainment, food
When: 19 June, 10-4 pm
Where: Brookline Avenue Park, 575 Brookline Ave, Brookline
Who: Open to the public, family friendly
URL: https://events.humanitix.com/4th-annual-town-of-brookline-juneteenth-celebration
Everett and NOBLE
What: Celebration of Freedom and Unity-Juneteenth: music, food, activities
When: 2-5 pm
Where: Glendale Park, 50 Elm St, Everett
Who: Open to all, free
URL: https://cityofeverett.com/events/juneteenth-2024/
Gloucester
What: 4th annual Gloucester Juneteenth Celebration: history, music, dance, food, fun
When: 16 June, 12-4 pm
Where: Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant St, Gloucester; flag raising at City Hall, 9 Dale Ave
Who: Open to the public, free
URL: https://www.capeannmuseum.org/event/gloucester-juneteenth-celebration/
Greenfield
What: Greenfield’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration: Parade and Festivities: food, vendors, performers, fashion show and more
When: 19 June, parade starts 11 am; festivities at terminus 12-5 pm
Where: parade starts at City Hall (Federal Street), ends at Beacon Field, 61 Beacon St, Greenfield
Who: Open to all
URL: https://visitgreenfieldma.com/event/greenfield-juneteenth-celebration/
Hingham
What:4th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration: music food, bounce house
When: 19 June, 3-6 pm
Where: The Bandstand, Hingham Harbor
Who: Open to all, free
URL: https://hinghamunity.org; https://hinghamunity.org/event/juneteenth-2024/
lincoln
What: Wee the People Presents Juneteenth Unlimited: Interactive family workshop; stories, crafts, teach-in
When: 1 June, 2-3 pm
Where: Lincoln Public Library, Tarbell Room, 3 Bedford Rd, Lincoln
Who: Geared for ages 6 and above accompanied by adult, registration required
lincoln
What: Lincoln Celebrates Juneteenth, A Celebration of the Arts: performances, dj, poetry, food, bouncy house and more
When: 9 June, 1-4 pm
Where: Field next to Codman Pool, 1 Ball Field Rd, Lincoln
Who: Open to the Public, free
Lowell
What: Lowell’s Juneteenth Flag Raising
When: 14 June, 11 am
Where: Lowell City Hall, 375 Merrimack St, Lowell
Who: Open to the public, free, furry friends welcome
URL: https://www.blacklowellcoalition.com/event-info/juneteenth-flag-raising-2024-in-lowell
Lowell
What: Juneteenth Jubilee: games, exhibits, bookmobile, gumbo, and more
When: 15 June, 12-6 pm
Where: Muldoon Park, 5 Billerica St, Lowell
Who: Open to the public, free, furry friends welcome
URL: https://www.blacklowellcoalition.com/event-info/juneteenth-jubilee-lowell-2024
MALDEN
What: 7th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
When: 19 June, 11am-3 pm
Where: Lincoln Commons, Malden
For updated details, check https://www.cityofmalden.org/1041/Maldens-375th-Anniversary-Page
Martha’s Vineyard
What: 4th Annual Jubilee Festival: ‘space race’, ‘art as resistance’, ‘music jam’
When: 22 June, 1-5 pm
Where: Union Chapel, 55 Narragansett Ave, Oak Bluffs
Who: Open to the public, free, get tickets (go to URL)
URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jubilee-festival-tickets-877650164267?aff=oddtdtcreator
Martha’s Vineyard
What: 3rd Annual Taste of Juneteenth, [NAACPMV, charitable event spotlighting Black and Indigenous chefs]
When: 23 June, 5-9 pm
Where: Portuguese American Club, Oak Bluffs, 137 Vineyard Ave, Martha’s Vineyard
Who: Charitable event, 75$, fee includes year membership in NAACPMV
Newton
What: Juneteenth – Forever Free: concert of Black American composers
When: 19 June, 6-8 pm
Where: Nathaniel Allen House, 35 Webster St, Newton
Who: Ticket holders, 10-30$
URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-forever-free-2nd-show-6-pm-tickets-715495154267
North Shore
What: Juneteenth Celebration: joy, music, community
When: 22 June, 11 am-3 pm
Where: Lynn Museum and Frederick Douglass Park, 590 Washington St, Lynn
Who: Free, family friendly
Pittsfield
What: Juneteenth Celebration: flag raising, parade, festival; music, food, family fun
When: 16 June, 12 -7 pm
Where: Flag raising 12 pm at Pittsfield City Hall, parade to Durant Park, 30 John St, for festival
Who: All are welcome
URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/361814680040328/
Plymouth
What: Juneteenth Lecture: Dr Robert Gomes, Illuminating African American Histories
When: 19 June, 6-8 pm; lecture begins 7 pm
Where: Pilgrim Hall Museum, 75 Court St, Plymouth
Who: 10$ (free to students with valid ID)
URL: https://seeplymouth.com/event/2024-speaker-series-juneteenth-lecture-plymouth/
Randolph
What: 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration: song, dance, poetry, food and more; theme “Salute to Historically Black Colleges and Universities”
When: 19 June, 11 am-2 pm
Where: Powers Farm, 592 N. Main St, Randolph
Who: All those interested
Sponsor: Randolph Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coalition
Springfield
What: Juneteenth Jubilee: Flag Raising/Adult Block Party; Family Fun Day
When: 14 June: Flag Raising and Block Party; 15 June Family Fun Day
Where: 2023 info: Flag raising: Black Vietnam Veterans Memorial; Block party (adults, local restaurant); Family fun day 1-7, Blunt Park
Who: Adults only on 14 June block party; family friendly on 12 June
URL: https://www.facebook.com/story.php/?story_fbid=726429792986100&id=100068572584405&paipv=0&eav=AfayK2J650hQ4_pto2Utyp50nvP4DQouyknMFqXdzSH01KmYL_5XjlWGNnIfY9FFBVc&_rdr (Check for updates)
Stoughton
What: 2024 Juneteenth: Celebrate Our Veterans; vendors, live performances, food, dj, and more
When: 19 June, 10 am – 2 pm; 1 pm Michelle Brooks-Thompson, live performance
Where: Stoughton High School, 232 Pearl St, Stoughton
Who: Open to the public, free
URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-stoughton-juneteenth-tickets-890398013427?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Taunton
What: 4th Annual Cultural Fair and Juneteenth Celebration: vendors, dance, music, food
When: 22 June, 2-6 pm
Where: Memorial Park, Somerset Ave, Taunton
Who: Open to the public, free, family friendly
URL: https://allevents.in/taunton/tdn-4th-annual-cultural-fair-and-juneteenth-celebration/200026336189125
WESTFORD
What: First Juneteenth Freedom Day Flag Raising & Celebration
When 19 June, 9-11 am
Where: Flag raising at Town Common [Main St] followed by reception at Westford Museum [2 Boston Rd, Westford]
Who: Open to the public, free
URL: https://allevents.in/westford/westfords-first-juneteenth-flag-raising-and-celebration/10000
WEYMOUTH
What: 2nd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration: music, food, performers
When: 19 June, 12-5 pm
Where: Weston Park (next to Tufts Library), 46 Broad St, Weymouth
Who: Open to the public, free, family friendly
URL: https://happeningnext.com/event/second-annual-juneteenth-celebration-eid3a0bcu5ajv
Woburn
What: Juneteenth Celebration
When: 15 June, 12-5 pm; PanNeubean Steel concert, 2:30-3:30
Where: Woburn Public Library, 45 Pleasant St, Woburn
Who: Open to the public
URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/3593012124359428/
Worcester
What: Juneteenth Flag Raising
When: 14 June, 5 pm
Where: Worcester City Hall, 455 Main St, Worcester
Who: All are welcome
URL: https://www.blackheritagejuneteenthworcester.com/this-years-festival
Worcester
What: 2024 Black Heritage Juneteenth Festival
When: 15 June 12-8 pm; rain date 29 June
Where: Institute Park, Worcester
Who: All are welcome
URL: https://www.blackheritagejuneteenthworcester.com/this-years-festival
Pride Month Events
ACTON-WESTFORD
What: Acton-Westford Pride Festival 2024: family activities, live music; food, crafts, vendors
When: 15 June, 12-3 pm
Where: NARA Park, 71 Quarry Rd, Acton
Who: Open to the public, free
URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/acton-westford-pride-festival-2024-tickets-876798898107
ARLINGTON
What: LGBTQIA + Arlington Pride Crosswalk Painting: painting crosswalks with rainbows
When & Where: 2 June, 7:30-9:30 in Arlington Center, intersection of Mystic Ave and Mass Ave; 6 June, 7:30-9:30 in Arlington Heights, intersection of Park Ave and Mass Ave; 10 June, 7:30-9:30 in East Arlington, intersection of Lake St and Mass Ave
Who: Volunteers
URL: https://rainbowarlington.org/2024/05/15/lgbtqia-pride-in-arlington-2024/
ARLINGTON
What: LGBTQIA+ Arlington Pride: social activities, Community Partner tables, rock painting
When: 22 June, 12-3 pm, rain or shine
Where: Town Hall Gardens, Town Hall if rain, 730 Mass Ave, Arlington
URL: https://rainbowarlington.org/2024/05/15/lgbtqia-pride-in-arlington-2024/
BELLINGHAM
What: Bellingham PrideFest: vendors, arts, crafts, food, activities and more
When: 29 June, 10 am-2 pm
Where: Town Common
Who: Open to the public, free, family friendly
URL: https://www.bellinghambulletin.com/2024/04/26/489191/bellingham-pridefest-slated-for-june-29th
BELMONT
What: Belmont Pride Parade and Celebration
When: 15 June, parade starts t 1 pm
Who: Open to the public, free, parade route is short, relatively flat and accommodating to all, starts at Belmont Town Green, 404 Concord Ave and goes to Belmont Center
URL: https://www.belmontlgbtq.com/news-and-events/p15kt2y2oj9l9o3f3kveev2b2cdip9
BOSTON
What: BIPOQ Pride Frolic in the Park
When: 1 June, 12-4 pm
Who: Open to the public, free
URL: https://www.instagram.com/wearefrolic/p/C6hNYF_PNPm/
BOSTON
What: Boston Pride for the People Parade
When: 8 June, parade starts t 11 am
Where: parade starts on Boyleston St in Copley Square and ends in Boston Common
Who: Open to the public, free
URL: https://www.bostonprideforthepeople.org/
BOSTON
What: Boston Pride for the People Festival: all-day music and entertainment
When: 8 June, after parade
Where: Boston Common
Who: Open to the public, free
URL: https://www.bostonprideforthepeople.org/
GLOUCESTER
What: Cape Ann Pride Family Picnic: stories, art, music,
When: 2 June, 1-3 pm
Where: Cape Ann Museum, 13 Poplar St, Gloucester
Who: Open to the public, free, free lunch, family friendly registration is required
URL: https://www.capeannpride.org/events/pride-family-picnic
For additional events, please visit https://www.capeannpride.org/events
GREENFIELD
What: Franklin County Pride Parade and Festival
When: 15 June, parade starts t 12 pm
Where: parade starts at Federal Street & Sanderson Street, festival follows in Energy Park and along Miles St
Who: Open to the public, free
URL: https://www.franklincountypride.org/parade
LOWELL
What: Greater Lowell Pride Parade and Festival 2024: entertainment, vendors, youth area
When: 15 June, 12-4 pm
Where: Flag raising 12 pm at City Hall, parade starts 12:30 pm at City Hall, Merrimack St; Pride Festival 1-4 pm in Boarding House Park, 40 French St, Lowell
Who: Open to the public, free
URL: https://www.greaterlowellhealthalliance.org/greater-lowell-pride-2024/
LYNN
What: United Lynn Youth Pride celebration: performances, food, activities, resource tables
When: 1 June, 12-3 pm
Where: Frederick Douglas Memorial Park and Lynn Museum, 1-15 Exchange St, Lynn
Who: Lynn youth, free
URL: https://www.unitedlynnpride.com/pride2024
LYNN
What: Through a Rainbow Lens Museum Exhibit Opening: A Reflection of Lynn’s LGBTQ+ History
When: 5 June, reception 5:30, panel discussion 6:30
Where: Lynn Museum, 590 Washington St, Lynn
Who: Open to the public, free
LYNN
What: Walking Tour of LGBTQ+ Downtown Lynn (1/2 mile)
When: 12 June, 5-6 pm
Where: Lucille’s Wine Shop, 776 Washington St, Lynn
Who: Open to the public, registration preferred
URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-tour-of-lgbtq-downtown-lynn-tickets-894432651137
MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA
What: Manchester-by-the-Sea Pride Flag Raising
When: 1 June, 9-10 am
Where: Manchester-by-the-Sea Town Hall, 10 Central St, Manchester-by-the-Sea
URL: https://www.capeannpride.org/events/pride-flag-raising-manchester-by-the-sea
For additional Pride events, visit https://www.capeannpride.org/events.
MARTHA’S VINEYARD
What: Oak Bluffs Pride Parade and festivities
When: 8 June, 3 pm, parade starts at the Island Queen and ends at Ocean Park
Who: Open to the public, free
URL: https://www.obamv.com/pride-lgbtq-weekend-in-ob
NEW BEDFORD
What: Pride Southcoast: music, food, crafts, games, community resources and more
When: 1 June, 12-5 pm
Where: Buttonwood Park, New Bedford
Who: Open to the public, free, family friendly
URL: https://www.sclgbtqnetwork.org/pride-2024.html
NORTH BROOKFIELD
What: North Brookfield Small Town Pride Parade & Celebration
When: 29 June, 12-6 pm
Where: North Brookfield Town Common
Who: Open to the public, free
Pittsfield
What: Berkshire Pride City of Pittsfield Pride Flag Raising
When: 1 June, 12 pm
Where: City Hall, Allen St, Pittsfield
Who: Open to the public, free
URL: https://www.berkshirepride.org/
Pittsfield
What: Berkshire Pride Parade and Festival
When: 8 June, festivities begin 11 am
Where: parade proceeds from Eagle St to The Common Park, First St, Pittsfield
Who: Open to the public, free
URL: https://www.berkshirepride.org/
(Check website for more events during Berkshire Pride Week, 1-9 June.)
Plymouth
What: Plymouth Pride marchers participate in Boston Pride Parade, free T-shirt upon arrival
When: 8 June, arrive by 10 am
Where: Check website for update on meet-up location
Who: Open to the public, free
URL: https://www.plymouthprideinc.com/events
Plymouth
What: Plymouth Pride Kite Day: kite flying, beach access, picnic area, playground
When: 23 June, 10 am
Where: Nelson Park, 235 Water St, Plymouth
Who: Open to the public, free, family friendly
URL: https://www.plymouthprideinc.com/events
Plymouth
What: Plymouth Pride Festival: music, entertainment, performances, vendors and more
When: 30 June, 11 am-5 pm
Where: Nelson Park, 235 Water St, Plymouth
Who: Open to the public, free
URL: https://www.plymouthprideinc.com/events
Salem
What: North Shore Pride Parade and Festival
When: 22 June, 11-4 pm
Where: Parade starts 12 pm, Shetland Park, 27 Congress St; festival after parade at Salem Common, No. Washington Square, Salem
URL: https://northshorepride.org/parade-festival/
Salem
What: Salem Pride in the Park 2024
When: 21 September
URL: www.salemcapitalpride.org/pride
Check website for updates.
Springfield
What: Springfield Pride Parade: speakers, vendors, resources along parade route
When: 1 June, starts 12:00 pm
Where: starts on Maple St in downtown Springfield
Who: Open to the public, free
URL: https://truequeer.com/event/springfield-pride-ma-2024-ma/
STOUGHTON
What: 4th Annual Stoughton Pride: music, food, performances, yard games and more
When: 9 June, 12:30-4:30
Where: First Parish of Stoughton lawn, 790 Washington St, Stoughton
Who: Open to the public, free,
URL: https://www.stoughtondiversity.org/events/stoughton-pride-1
TAUNTON
What: Southcoast Pride 2024: music, food, crafts, games, community resources and more
When: 8 June, 12-5 pm
Where: Hopewell Park, Taunton
Who: Open to the public, free
URL: https://www.sclgbtqnetwork.org/pride-2024.html
TOPSFIELD
What: Tri-Town Pride Parade (Topsfield, Boxford, Middleton): entertainment, food, resources
When: 2 June, parade starts 1 pm
Where: parade through downtown Topsfield, followed by community celebration, Town Common
Who: Open to the public
URL: https://northshorepride.org/event/3975/
WEYMOUTH
What: Weymouth Pride in the Park
When: 9 June, 1-4 pm
Where: King Oak Hill Park, Weymouth
Who: Open to the public, free, family friendly
URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/1133687541381924/
WINCHESTER
What: Pridefest 2024 (student organized): entertainment, crafts, education, vendors
When: 4 June, 4:30-6:30 pm, rain date 6 June
Where: Winchester Town Common
Who: Open to the public, free, family friendly
URL: https://towncommon.org/event/pridefest-2024-0
WORCESTER
What: Pride Worcester Festival: crafts, speakers, food, performances and more
When: September 7, 3-8 pm
Where: Downtown Worcester
Who: Open to the public, free
URL: https://www.prideworcester.org/festival
