Juneteenth Commemoration
2025 Juneteenth Downeast Commemoration
Knowlton Park, Ellsworth, ME
Thursday, June 19 | 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Everyone welcome!
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.
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.
Stay tuned for information about future events!
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, 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 have been 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.