Commemorate the joyous occasion with special happenings at these local institutions
Boston By Foot: The non-profit tour organization offers its Black Voices: Writers for a 19th Century Revolution excursion—an exploration of Beacon Hill that looks at the lives of Black wordsmiths like David Walker, Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins and Dorothy West who took pen to paper to oppose to slavery—on June 19 at 2 p.m. Those that can’t make it on Juneteenth can opt for the jaunts on June 10 at 10 a.m. and June 21 at 1:30 p.m.
Embrace Ideas Festival: On June 18 & 20 at the Massachusetts College of Art & Design, celebrate with this annual gathering dedicated to racial equality, healing, well-being and joy that follows this year’s theme of “Inspiring the Resistance: Building a Culture of Repair for the Origins of Our Discontent.” Events include the Juneteenth Honors—a commemoration of community leadership that features live gospel music and delicious food—on June 18 from 6–10 p.m. and a conference recognizing the impact of Black Bostonians on June 20 from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Lift Every Voice: A Juneteenth Musical Celebration: The chamber music organization Cherry Street Music welcomes the storied Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University to Newton’s The Allen Center on June 19 at 4 p.m. for a concert boasting an inspiring array of African American songs that is also highlighted by the guest vocals of acclaimed singer and arranger Donna McElroy.
Roxbury International Film Festival: More than a quarter century old, this annual showcase for filmmakers of color kicks off June 19 at 7 p.m. at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA, pictured) with a free presentation of the documentary Paint Me a Road Out of Here, which tells the complicated history of Faith Ringgold’s 1971 work For the Women’s House that was intended for the women incarcerated at Rikers Island. (Speaking of free and the MFA, the beloved Fenway home of a dazzling array of artistic masterpieces from all over the world once again waives the admission fee for all Massachusetts residents on Juneteenth.) Screenings of more than 100 features, shorts, animations and other documentaries at a variety of venues follow, along with panel discussions, Q&A sessions and other special gatherings. An online version of the lineup is available June 26–July 2.
Frederick Douglass: Just one day after the holiday, head to New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall for the New England premiere of Ulysses Kay’s opera depicting the iconic writer and abolitionist in the final year of his life. Presented by the Boston Modern Orchestra Project and Odyssey Opera, this gem has been resurrected for the first time in nearly 35 years.
