Celebrating Juneteenth Around Boston

Juneteenth is a federal holiday honoring the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in the United States. Though officially recognized in 2021 by President Joe Biden, the holiday celebrates the day 160 years ago when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Tex., with the news that the Civil War and slavery had ended—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. More than 250,000 people were freed, and the day became known as Freedom Day, or Juneteenth.

Boston commemorates Juneteenth annually with a mix of fun and informative events celebrating Black history and culture. Here are some can’t-miss happenings so that you can make the most of the holiday.