Joy was on full display on the North Slope of Beacon Hill Friday during a Juneteenth celebration and outdoor festival that featured a Juneteenth flag-raising, live music and remarks from city officials.
“We have celebrations from Beacon Hill to Roxbury,” said Noelle Trent, president and CEO of the Museum of African American History, which hosted the event. “Black history is American history, and this day, this weekend, is a time of joy, and we encourage people to participate in that.”
And participate they did. Dozens of people gathered in the historic enclave along Joy Street, strolling by vendors that included Black-owned businesses showcasing artwork, plants and vintage clothing.
Crowds gather on Joy Street for a Boston Juneteenth celebration hosted by the Museum of African American History. WBUR/Suevon Lee
The neighborhood was once a hub for abolitionists fighting against slavery. It’s home to such historic institutions as the museum, African Meeting House and the Abiel Smith School, the oldest public school for African American children. It was outside that structure the Juneteenth flag was hoisted on Friday morning.
“It is a symbol of freedom, it is a symbol also of resilience, and it is a symbol of the ongoing pursuit of justice,” state Sen. Liz Miranda said of the flag in a speech.
Juneteenth is a federal holiday that observes the official end of slavery in the United States. It commemorates the day — June 19, 1865 — that Black slaves in Galveston, Texas were notified of their freedom. This is its fifth year as a federal holiday; Massachusetts recognized it as an official state holiday in July 2020. More than 30 states and the District of Columbia do as well.
The holiday also celebrates Black culture, joy and resistance. Darcel Hunt-Finegold stood with her 7-year-old daughter, Allie, on Joy Street while waving a miniature flag that said “Juneteenth.” The Hyde Park resident said it was important to share the moment with her daughter to celebrate her ancestry.
“ There’s a lot of division in the world today, but today is about us coming together and standing strong as one and knowing that we all have value,” she said.
Miranda, in her official remarks, didn’t shy from referencing political and cultural attacks by the current federal administration, saying it’s “a moment where history is often too challenged” and is “being erased day by day.”
“They’re trying to rewrite it,” she said of federal officials, adding that institutions such as the Museum of African American History “remind us that our stories actually matter.”
“That’s why Juneteenth is a celebration, but also I urge you all to see it as a call to action,” she told the crowd gathered. “It calls us to honor our ancestors, not only by remembering their struggles, but by continuing their work.”
Noelle Trent, president and CEO of the Museum of African American History, speaks at a Boston Juneteenth event as Mayor Michelle Wu stands nearby. WBUR/Suevon Lee
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu also spoke at the event, praising the camaraderie and community around Boston, particularly during a very enthusiastic World Cup season.
“Long before we were selected as a host city, long before we were preparing for this summer, Bostonians were digging down to say, ‘We’re going to have each other’s back,’ ” she said.
Syntia Guillaume owns Bold Chic Styles, a vintage clothing and accessories boutique in Newton, and stood as one of the celebration’s vendors.
“I work in healthcare but I have a passion for fashion,” she said. As the daughter of a Haitian immigrant and entrepreneur marking her boutique’s first year in business, Guillaume said Juneteenth doesn’t just represent freedom and joy but “the American dream.”
“We stand on the shoulders and backs of African Americans, and as Haitians, we’re very proud of our independence as well,” she said. “ So we resonate with the African American story very much.”
