On June 19, 1865, the news and enforcement of emancipation reached thousands of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas. Today, this second Independence Day is celebrated across the country as Juneteenth, commemorating the operative end of slavery in the United States. In 2021, President Biden signed a bill into law to implement Juneteenth as a federal holiday, however, 2024 will mark the first year that it’s recognized as an official state holiday here in Rhode Island. Check out the many celebrations and events in Rhode Island that honor this very important day.
Juneteenth RI’s YOUth Day
Calling all youth! As a part of their Juneteenth celebrations, Juneteenth RI will host YOUth Day, an event open to all children that boasts fun activities, dancing, cultural readings and more. Taking place at Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School in Providence on June 8, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., this event is free, although you are encouraged to RSVP here.
Kin’s Fourth Annual Juneteenth Block Party
Join Kin Southern Table and Bar in Providence on Friday, June 14, for a Juneteenth Block Party. Head over to the eatery any time between 5 p.m. and 1 a.m. to savor classic Southern and soul food dishes while enjoying specialty cocktails, games and dancing. Live entertainment will be provided by DJ Ladyruck, DJ Rukiz and Fred da Great. Admission is free for children (12 and younger) or $5 for adults.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit kinpvd.com/juneteenth.
Instruments of Slavery Exhibition
Head on down to the Southside Cultural Center of Rhode Island in Providence to experience the powerful and educational African American Slave & Pioneer Exhibit: Instruments of Slavery. Organized by Juneteenth RI and funded by RI Foundation Black Philanthropy, this free event will span almost a week, from Monday, June 10, to Sunday, June 16.
For tickets and exhibit times, visit juneteenthri.com.
Taste of Juneteenth
Support Black-owned businesses and savor delicious food and drink from the African Diaspora this Juneteenth at the first annual “Taste of Juneteenth.” Stop by Farm Fresh RI in Providence on June 19 between noon and 4 p.m. to experience mouth-watering culinary delights and more. The event is a collaboration among Hope & Main, the Muse Foundation of RI, and AFReats, and is supported by Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI.
RSVP (and enter for the chance to win a prize) at tasteofjuneteenthne.org.
From Free to Freedom: A Juneteenth Celebration at PPAC
In collaboration with JuneteenthRI, Mixed Magic Theatre, Rhode Island Black Storytellers and Providence’s Department of Art, Culture and Tourism, the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) is hosting a special Wonders of the Wurlitzer performance. From Free to Freedom, “a play with music, dance and storytelling that celebrates Juneteenth,” will be held on Wednesday, June 19, at 7 p.m. The free performance, written and directed by Ricardo Pitts-Wiley of Mixed Magic Theatre, will feature PPAC House Organist Peter Edwin Krasinski, narration by Jomo Peters and Bernadet V. Pitts-Wiley and a special guest appearance by Valerie Tutson of the Rhode Island Black Storytellers. In telling of the stories of the enslaved before, during and after slavery, this play will be nothing short of moving and powerful.
For more information, visit ppacri.org.
Sixth Annual Juneteenth RI Celebration
Celebrate and honor this important day with Juneteenth RI at their Sixth Annual Juneteenth RI Festival. With the powerful mission of “collectively celebrat[ing] African American liberations, accomplishments and contributions through education, effective communication, inner strength and endurance through observance of Juneteenth,” this organization is sure to put on a unifying and joyous event that you won’t want to miss.
Held on Saturday, June 22, from 12–7 p.m., the festival will include “music, dancing, food, family and fun.” The event will feature a performance from Grammy-nominated RnB artist Stokley, and will take place at 195 District Park/Mike Van Leesten Pedestrian Bridge alongside the Providence River.
For more information, visit juneteenthri.com.
