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 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.
About Juneteenth Downeast
Juneteenth Downeast is community coalition organizing the annual commemoration of Juneteenth in the Ellsworth/MDI area, guided by the vision and leadership of Black members of our coalition. The Juneteenth Downeast Implementation Group itself is composed of members that are Black, White, Latine, disabled, LGBTQ+, live mostly in rural communities and span all income levels. The Advisory Board, composed primarily of Black members, meets weekly to develop a shared vision and roadmap for what they aim to accomplish now and in the future.
Juneteenth Downeast, MDI Racial Equity Working Group, Downeast Diversity, YWCA MDI, Healthy Acadia, and College of the Atlantic were honored to organize the first Juneteenth Downeast Commemoration event on Saturday, June 19, 2021, in Bar Harbor. 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.
Subsequent events were held at Knowlton Park in Ellsworth, from 2022-2025, and featured an incredible line-up of performers and speakers, delicious eats from Maine restaurants and food vendors, and a number of community organizations providing information about local resources.
An array of Maine artists and speakers have 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.
For more information, please visit https://juneteenthdowneast.org.
Weekend on the Water
Since 2023, Juneteenth Downeast has hosted a free, two-day, Weekend on the Water, 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! Over 100 guests joined in the inaugural event. For more information and highlights, visit juneteenthdowneast.org.
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. Weekend on the Water aims to build opportunities for Black people and other people of color to engage and explore together in the outdoors and Activities have included camping at Lamoine State Park, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, hiking, fishing, and swimming. Admission is free and spaces are limited.
Follow @JuneteenthDowneast on Facebook for event updates.
Thank you!
Thank you to those who contributed their time, expertise, and funds to make Juneteenth Commemoration events possible. Together, we will make a difference in the critical ongoing work to dismantle racism and advance racial equity. Thank you!
You can help to support this and future Juneteenth Commemoration efforts. Every contribution makes such a difference.