Framingham is recognizing Juneteenth for the third consecutive year with speeches, performances and the raising of the Juneteenth flag.
Several MetroWest organizations and municipalities honor the holiday, which commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. In Framingham, there will be a special flag raising ceremony, as well as remarks from city officials and a keynote address from Brandale Randolph, owner of e-bike seller The 1854 Company.
“Juneteenth is a day of reflection, education and unity,” Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky said in a statement. “It’s an important occasion to acknowledge the struggles and triumphs of African Americans, and to commit to a future of equality and justice for all.”
The Framingham event will also feature dance performances from OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center and a speech by student Tiffany Stanley, on the meaning of Juneteenth.
The event takes place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, in front of the Memorial Building (150 Concord St.).
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth — short for June 19th — marks the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state and free about 250,000 enslaved people.
Although President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863 declared all enslaved people in Confederate states, “are, and henceforward, forever free” it did not work out that way. The proclamation specifically applied to areas under Confederate control, not border states or rebel areas under Union rule, which is a reason why Juneteenth came 2½ years later.
Texas was among the last states with strong Confederate control, with many enslavers fleeing to the state as Union forces drew near. Even after Union Gen. Gordon Granger’s arrival, some slave owners did not tell their enslaved people they were free until harvest season was over. In 1866, Texas’ newly freed people celebrated “Jubilee Day” on June 19.
Texas was the first state to recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday, in 1979. Juneteenth became a state holiday in Massachusetts in 2020 before becoming a federal holiday on June 17, 2021.
Looking for a Juneteenth event near you? Here’s a few commemorations planned throughout MetroWest.
Natick Historical Society and Natick Center Cultural District
The Natick Historical Society, along with Natick is United, an anti-discrimination group, are planning a community reading of Frederick Douglass’ 1852 speech, “What to a Slave is the 4th of July?” It takes place at 10:30 a.m. on the Natick Common.
Natick resident and historian Brenna Greer will introduce the speech and facilitate dialogue afterward.
Following the recitation, the Natick Center Cultural District will host a Juneteenth event on the common from noon to 3 p.m. The event will feature food, activities and musical performances by Drum Nomads, Crocodile River Music and Squeezebox Stompers.
Medway Marches to hold commemoration
Medway Marches, an organization formed in 2020 to create deep-rooted, continual change, will hold its annual Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom.
The event will feature food trucks, a kid’s creation station, a craft beer garden and a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) artisan market.
Suggested donation is $5, with a $20 cap per family. The Juneteenth event will be held from noon to 4:30 p.m. at the Medway Community Farm (50 Winthrop St.).
Community Vibes Framingham
Community Vibes Framingham is set to hold its JuneteenthFest from 1-6 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, at Farm Pond Park (100 Dudley St.).
The free event includes food, non-alcoholic beverages and activities. Vendors, games and speakers will also be offered.
Ashland Farmers Market
The Ashland Farmers Market and Ashland Residents for Equity & Action (AREA) will commemorate Juneteenth from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, at the farmers market, 125 Front St.
Musical guests and vendors will be on hand. The commemoration will feature a kid’s event hosted by AREA.
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