Juneteenth Commemoration

Every year, Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day that Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were first told that they were freed from slavery, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. As we celebrate Juneteenth, it's important to recognize it as an opportunity to highlight Black people in business and the arts who have been and continue to be central to the formation and growth of Maine. It’s an opportunity for exposure to the diversity that exists in this state as we’re reminded that the struggle for freedom and equality persists.

In 2022, a collaboration among community organizations and individuals, including MDI Racial Equity Working Group, Healthy Acadia, Greater Bangor Area Branch NAACP, YWCA MDI, Downeast Diversity, The Exercise Design Lab, Black Spirit 4 Life, and Mano en Mano | Hand in Hand organized a Juneteenth Commemoration at Knowlton Park in Ellsworth. 'Illuminating the Continuum of the Black Experience in Maine' featured live music, poets, speakers, authors, and local community organizations. A special shout out to WERU Community Radio for live coverage of the free community event, as well as the many community sponsors for their generosity in making this Commemoration possible.

We join together with amazing artists, speakers, and organizations to commemorate the ending of slavery, celebrate the rich legacy and contributions of African Americans in Maine, honor the dedication and sacrifices of so many in past and present struggles for racial justice, and raise awareness about the importance of Juneteenth.

2023 Juneteenth Downeast Commemoration

The third annual Juneteenth Downeast Commemoration was held at Knowlton Park, 11 Shore Road, Ellsworth, Maine on Monday, June 19, 2023. "Deepening Our Vital Connection to Nature and Each Other" will feature free delectable food from the celebrated tv personality and author, Chef Chris Scott and others, Pihcintu Multinational Girls’ Chorus, Stream Reggae, Chief Oscar Mokeme of the Museum of African Culture, incredible Black speakers, hands-on activities for all ages, and more.

Every year, Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day that Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were first told that they were freed from slavery, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. As we celebrate Juneteenth, it is important to recognize it as an opportunity to highlight Black people in business and the arts who have been and continue to be central to the formation and growth of Maine. It is an opportunity for exposure to the diversity that exists in this state as we’re reminded that the struggle for freedom and equality persists.

The admission-free Juneteenth Commemoration event featured an exciting lineup of musicians, poets, speakers, restaurants, artisans, and museums, hands-on activities for both children and adults, as well as tables for vendors, for an engaging, educational, inspirational, and fun experience for people of all ages. Featured performers included Maine’s own Pihcintu Multinational Girls' Chorus and Stream Reggae. Chief-Nze Oscar Mokeme, CEO and Founding Director of The Museum of African Culture located in Portland, Maine returned with the ‘Touch Table’ featuring masks from the museum and the Blessing event which moved so many participants last year. The event was broadcasted live on WERU Community Radio 89.9 FM, and at WERU.org and video streamed through www.juneteenthdowneast.org. 

For event highlights and more, please visit https://juneteenthdowneast.org and follow @JuneteenthDowneast on Facebook.

Inaugural Weekend on the Water

On June 17-18, 2023. Juneteenth Downeast welcomed people of color and their families to their first annual Weekend on the Water. Over 100 guests joined in this unique opportunity for Black and people of color and their families to get outdoors in beautiful Down East Maine! Featuring two full days of FREE family-friendly outdoor activities, including camping, sailing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, star gazing, wading and beach exploration, delicious foods, and connection. For more information and highlights from the inaugural event, visit juneteenthdowneast.org.

Let’s Keep it Going!

The 2023 Juneteenth Downeast Commemoration and Weekend on the Water events were organized by a collaboration among community organizations, businesses, and individuals, including MDI Racial Equity Working Group, Healthy Acadia, Greater Bangor Area Branch NAACP, YWCA MDI, Downeast Diversity, The Exercise Design Lab, Black Spirit 4 Life, Mano en Mano | Hand in Hand, The Jackson Laboratory, and Friends of Acadia. The 2023 Juneteenth Commemoration and Weekend on the Water are funded in part by grants from The Maine Humanities Council, Maine Initiatives, and the Nature Based Education Consortium, as well as by the amazing generosity of individuals, businesses, and organizations in our community.

Thank you!

Thank you to those who contributed their time, expertise, and funds to make the 2023 Juneteenth Commemoration event possible

You can help to support this and future Juneteenth Commemorations. Every contribution makes such a difference. Click here to donate.

Together, we will make a difference in the critical ongoing work to dismantle racism and advance racial equity. Thank you!

Previous Juneteenth Events

MDI Racial Equity Working Group, Downeast Diversity, MDI YWCA, Healthy Acadia, and College of the Atlantic were honored to organize the first local Juneteenth Commemoration event on Saturday, June 19, 2021.

Click here for more about the inaugural regional event.

Click on the image to the right to watch the full recording.