The East End is filled this this week with events celebrating the newest national holiday — Juneteenth — which marks the date in 1865 when enslaved residents of Galveston, Texas learned of the Emancipation Proclamation — more than two years after it issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863.
Here’s a smattering of what’s going on:
Unfinished Business in Southampton
The Southampton African American Museum’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration, this year titled “Unfinished Business,” will be held on Saturday, June 13 with speaker Andre Keitt, Suffolk County Poet Laureate Chip Wilford, award-winning gospel singer, songwriter, producer, and performer Antoine Hilton and a special performance by Praises in Steelband Orchestra
Butterfly Community Celebration
The Butterfly Effect Project will host “Juneteenth: A Celebration of Community” on Friday, June 19, from noon to 3 p.m. at its headquarters at 1146 Main Road, Riverhead.
The free community celebration includes more than 30 vendors, entertainment, food, resources and activities for all ages. The afternoon will center on unity, culture, freedom and community connection, bringing together local families, organizations, businesses, performers and vendors.
In Greenport, “The Walk to Freedom Continues”
The third annual Juneteenth Celebration organized by Coming to the Table’s North Fork Chapter and Clinton Memorial AME Zion Church, will take place on Saturday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with several pre-celebration events Friday evening, June 19.
Festival organizers are planning a Juneteenth Dinner Friday evening at Flavor Fork (402 First Street) from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a reading by historical fiction authors Jo-Ann Wilson from “Pages from the Diary of an Ex-Slave” at the North Fork Arts Center at 7 p.m.
The dinner will be catered by Vanessa Mims of“I Cater 2U,” and includes a three-course meal with wine pairings. Seats can be reserved here for $150 — all proceeds go to funding Greenport’s Juneteenth celebration.
The dinner concludes in time for the show at the NFAC, where eight singers and musicians join Jo-Ann Wilson for her oratorio style reading of “Pages from the Diary of an Ex-Slave” which tells the fictional story of Ruby, who flees southern enslavement to NY to become an abolitionist and inspiration. Tickets to the show are available for $20 online here.
The parade and festivities begin Saturday, June 20 at 10 a.m. at Clinton Memorial AME Zion Church at 614 Third Street, where church elders will bless the festivities – including the eldest, Hattie McKnight, at 101. and Pastor Natalie Wimberly will speak of the significance of this year’s celebration, titled “The Walk to Freedom Continues,” and this year’s Community Quilt will be unveiled.
At 11 a.m., the parade takes formation on Broad Street where Batala and Mamembe Afro Brazilian drummers will lead the way down Main Street to Front Street. From Noon to 2 p.m., the celebration continues in Mitchell Park with speakers, singers, dancers and more, ending with a special concert with 25 members of the Lavender Light Gospel Choir, the Black and People of All Colors Lesbian and Gay Gospel Choir of New York City generously paid for, along with the drummers, by Friends of Mitchell Park.
Bridgehampton Celebrates Black Literature
Editor’s Note, Friday, June 19: We’ve just learned that the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreation Center’s Literacy Nook scheduled for Saturday, June 20 has been postponed “due to unforeseen traffic conditions and travel challenges related to the U.S. Open activities in the Shinnecock Hills area.” We’ll update when there’s a new date!
The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreation Center, at 551 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, holds its Second Annual Literacy Nook Juneteenth Event on Saturday, June 20 from 3 to 6 p.m.
This gathering will spotlight esteemed Black authors, visual artists, and community voices whose work uplifts and honors the richness of the literary experience, featuring Tiffany D. Cross, author of “Love, Me,” as a special guest.
Guests will enjoy live readings, moderated discussions, book signings, featured authors, vendors, and curated displays of literature, art, and Black memorabilia that celebrate heritage, storytelling, and creative expression.
The afternoon will also include light refreshments, networking opportunities, and meaningful connections with fellow readers, writers, artists, educators, and community members.
“Whether you’re a passionate reader, an emerging artist, an aspiring writer, or simply looking to commemorate Juneteenth in a meaningful way, this event offers an inspiring opportunity to engage, learn, and celebrate together,” according to The Center.
Suggested donation is $30.
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