Juneteenth Commemoration
2023 Juneteenth Downeast Commemoration
Knowlton Park, Ellsworth, ME
Monday, June 19th | 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Knowlton Park, Ellsworth, ME
Monday, June 19 | 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Everyone welcome!
Join in commemorating Juneteenth 2023 at Knowlton Park, 11 Shore Road, Ellsworth, Maine on Monday, June 19, from 2 to 6 p.m. "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 is open to all and will feature an exciting lineup of musicians, poets, speakers, restaurants, artisans, and museums, to offer an engaging, educational, inspirational, and fun experience for all ages. Featured performers include 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 returns with the ‘Touch Table’ featuring masks from the museum and the Blessing event which moved so many participants last year. There will be hands-on activities for both children and adults as well as tables for vendors. The Commemoration on Monday will be broadcast live on WERU Community Radio 89.9 FM, and at WERU.org as well as video streaming through www.juneteenthdowneast.org.
For the full list of the Day’s speakers and the program schedule, please visit https://juneteenthdowneast.org. Follow @JuneteenthDowneast on Facebook for event updates.
NEW! Weekend on the Water
June 17-18, 2023
A special 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 more!
New this year, Juneteenth Downeast invites people of color and their families to a Weekend on the Water, June 17-18, 2023. This is an opportunity for Black people to reframe a traumatic history with the sea by having access to 'how to sail’ and ‘how to kayak’ courses that will introduce participants to ongoing programs available in the area.
This year's inaugural Weekend on the Water aims to build opportunities for Black people and other people of color to engage and explore together in the outdoors. Activities will include camping at Lamoine State Park, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, hiking, fishing, and swimming. Admission is free and spaces are limited. Register to join for the weekend, a day, or a single activity.
Click here to register.
History
MDI Racial Equity Working Group, Downeast Diversity, YWCA MDI, Healthy Acadia, and College of the Atlantic were honored to organize our first Juneteenth Commemoration event on Saturday, June 19, 2021. The inaugural event was held in Bar Harbor; Our 2022 event was held at Knowlton Park in Ellsworth.
An array of Maine artists and speakers joined in to share amazing music and voices, to celebrate the rich culture of African Americans, to commemorate the ending of slavery, to honor the dedication and sacrifices of so many in the struggle for racial justice, and to raise awareness about Juneteenth and the critical ongoing work to tackle racism and advance racial equity.
The 2021 Juneteenth Commemoration featured musical performances by, Hawk Henries, Rodney Mashia, Mount Desert Island Chorus, Pihcintu Chorus, with a surprise appearance by Yo-Yo Ma. Guest speakers included Alyne Cistone, Theresa Daniels-Hemphill, and Charlie Parker.
Click here for details from the 2022 event.
Let’s keep this annual event going for years to come. Click here to donate.
To view the full 2021 Juneteenth Commemoration, click on the image below. The 2022 event was not recorded; however, we hope to record the 2023 Juneteenth Commemoration event!