On June 19, 1865, enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas received news that they were finally free. Since then, June 19 has become a day of celebration, particularly for Black communities. It was not, however, observed as a federal holiday until 2021.
If you are interested in honoring this monumental day in history, check out some of these events across the North Shore this year.
Flag raisings, various towns | June 12-18
Cities and towns throughout the North Shore are celebrating Juneteenth by raising the holiday’s official flag. Some of these events will include gatherings, readings, and speeches by public officials. Visit the North Shore Juneteenth Association’s website to find an event near you.
Lowell Juneteenth Flag Raising, Lowell | June 18, 11a.m.
Join the Black Lowell Coalition for Lowell’s Juneteenth Flag Raising Program at Lowell City Hall. The event if free and open to the public. More details available at blacklowellcoalition.com/events.
“Reentering The Conversation”, Lowell | June 19, 6p.m.
Join the Black Lowell Coalition for a community conversation where they will respectfully discuss Juneteenth and current topics. The event is at the Christ Church United at 1 Bartlett Street. More details available at blacklowellcoalition.com/events.
Gloucester Juneteenth Celebration, Gloucester | June 19, 9a.m.-12p.m.
The Cape Ann Museum’s fifth annual Juneteenth celebration and festival, will include a flag raising, book giveaway, family art activities, free ice cream, and readings from Frederick Douglass’ work. For more details, visit capeannmuseum.org/event/5th-annual-gloucester-juneteenth-celebration.
Echoes of Greatness: A Juneteenth Celebration, Lynn | June 21, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The North Shore Juneteenth Association and Lynn Museum/LynnArts are again partnering to bring a Juneteenth celebration to Lynn. The Echoes of Greatness: A Juneteenth Celebration event will feature live music, performances, BIPOC vendors, food, and powerful speakers. More details can be found at lynnmuseum.org/events/juneteenth-celebration-2025.
Reading Frederick Douglass Together, Lynn I July 3, 11a.m.-2p.m.
This will be the fourth year the North Shore Juneteenth Association will have the honor of collaborating with Wendy Joseph to organize the community reading of Frederick Douglass’ speech, What to the Slave is the Fourth of July. The event will feature musical performances, dance performances, vendors, and more! For more details: north-shore-juneteenth-assoc.constantcontactsites.com/frederick-douglass-reading-event.