Juneteenth Downeast

Juneteenth Downeast exists to give people of the African diaspora a place to connect, and opportunities to replenish that which was taken away. Whether through connection to the land, the water, to resources or to each other. The Advisory Board, composed primarily of Black members, meets weekly to develop a shared vision and roadmap for what we aim to accomplish now and in the future.

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. In order to center Black voices most effectively and meaningfully, the group adopted an Agreement that includes the following language:

"We are a Downeast 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."

For more information please visit https://juneteenthdowneast.org. Follow @JuneteenthDowneast on Facebook for events and updates.

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!

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.

Juneteenth Downeast Commemoration

MDI Racial Equity Working Group, Downeast Diversity, YWCA MDI, Healthy Acadia, and College of the Atlantic were honored to organize the first Juneteenth 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.

Through 2025, annual Commemorations were held at Knowlton Park in Ellsworth 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.

Support this work

Healthy Acadia serves as the fiscal sponsor for Juneteenth Downeast. Click here to donate.