Juneteenth in Newburyport
Juneteenth is a holiday that honors the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19th, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and took control of the state, ensuring that all slaves were freed. This arrival of federal troops occurred two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation that proclaimed that all enslaved people be forever free. Juneteenth is the oldest African American holiday.
The City of Newburyport, in partnership with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alliance and the Human Rights Commission is working to honor and celebrate this holiday.
Part of this work includes facilitating opportunities for awareness about the holiday and why we are celebrating. We want to have people become curious about what it means and why we are celebrating, and if open to it, would like to provide resources for self-education.
In doing so, we have partnered with local businesses and the Paddle Inn. We are asking that on Saturday, June 19th (and the week prior) local businesses take some of the following steps.
- Hang a poster in the window (Juneteenth flag with DEI Alliance website) WILL BE PROVIDED- can pick up at the Chamber of Commerce on Monday June 14th -simple signage to increase visibility of the day and encourage curiosity
- Have one-pagers (can also pick up at the Chamber) at the store/establishment that explain why we are celebrating the holiday and include some simple suggestions for ways to take action.
- Put together a drink, food, or other item special, to be advertised in conjunction with Juneteenth.
- Suggestion- Juneteenth Specials (picture of flag or colors of the holiday (green, black, red, yellow)
- Week prior and day of- share social media posts promoting the day (to be provided).
- Attending the event at City Hall on Friday, June 18 at 11:30AM
If you are interested in participating, we can include the name of your establishment on advertisements and announcements about the celebrations around town.