Black Americans have celebrated Juneteenth since the 1860s, but more events have sprung up around Maine and the rest of the nation since President Joe Biden signed legislation in 2021 making it a federal holiday.
The origin of the holiday dates back to June 19, 1865, when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger marched into Galveston, Texas, to inform the last enslaved African-Americans of their freedom and that the Civil War had ended. More than two years earlier, on Jan. 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that slaves held in the Confederacy would be freed.
Here are some of the Juneteenth events in Maine this year:
Bangor Area
Virtual Open Mic
When: June 19, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Get tickets here
Description: This virtual open mic is open to people wishing to perform music, dance, poetry and jazz. Audience tickets are $10. Performer tickets are $15.
Celebrating Juneteenth With Pride
When: June 22, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Downtown Bangor
Description: The NAACP’s Juneteenth Celebration Table at Bangor’s Pride Festival project as an event is designed to celebrate and build community among Black LGBTQ+ Mainers. The NAACP’s Juneteenth Celebration Table at Bangor’s Pride Festival project will incorporate a photo booth allowing people to capture their Juneteenth pride and have samples of food that embody the celebration of Juneteenth.
Cumberland Center
The Cumberland Community Band Juneteenth Performance
When: June 19, 6:30 p.m. to 8pm
Where: 303 Main St, Cumberland Center
Description: The Cumberland Community Band, with very special guests, author Lydia Moland, and Human Rights Pioneer, Gerald Talbot, invite you to join us for a special musical program. If rain is forecast the concert will move inside to the Greely Center for the Arts at the high school. Bring chairs, blankets, a picnic and round up the kiddos!
Ellsworth
Juneteenth Downeast
When: June 19, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Knowlton Park, 11 Shore Road, Ellsworth
Description: The Juneteenth Downeast celebration will showcase Black and Indigenous music, as well as food and activities for all ages.
Falmouth
The Walk to Unsettle Portland – Atlantic Black Box & The Third Place
When: June 22, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth
Description: Atlantic Black Box and The Third Place will present a daylong encounter with the suppressed history of the peninsula, aimed at restoring public memory about the local impacts of colonization and slavery and their enduring legacies. Departing from South Portland, culminating in Falmouth- More details available at: https://www.walkwhere.org/walks/portland
Lewiston
Juneteenth Block Party
When: June 19, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kennedy Park, 120 Park St., Lewiston
Description: The Juneteenth Block Party will be accompanied by a community parade, live performances by MIO and community artists and discussions with Lewiston artists incarcerated at Mountain View Correctional Facility.
Nobleboro
Third annual Juneteenth Celebration
When: June 19, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 110 Belvedere Road, Nobleboro
Description: Hosted by local Community Initiative Bee AWARE
Portland
Portland Museum of Art “Poems of Reckoning and Resilience” Reading
When: June 19, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Portland Museum of Art, 7 Congress Square, Portland
Description: A poetry reading by Nathan McLain and other local poets, hosted by the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance.
Tate House Museum “Imagining Freedom” Cyanotype Workshop
When: June 19, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Tate House Museum, 1267 Westbrook St, Portland
Description: An exploration of the history of Tate House, accompanied by a historic art piece portraying the life of a slave. Registration is $30, and slots are limited. Find more information here.
Fortland Juneteenth Celebration: Land, Health and Economic Opportunity – The Third Place
When: June 18-19, 11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: 0 House Island, Portland
Description: 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, with a focus on Nature, Health, and Economic Opportunity. Whether you join us for one day or two, prepare for an unforgettable experience filled with camping, hiking, fishing, birdwatching, yoga, and more. For more information and to register: https://fortlandjuneteenth.eventbrite.com.
Westbrook
Westbrook Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
When: June 23, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Riverbank Park, Main Street, Westbrook
Description: An afternoon of music, speakers, poetry, art, and community at Riverbank Park, commemorating Juneteenth. — Guest Speakers & Poets include Shay Stewart-Bouley, Genius Black, Dr. Amilcar Shabazz, Portland Poet Laureate Maya Williams, & Westbrook Students- Musical Guests Jennifer Rachele & the VIVA Sensation will sing the Black National Anthem and other songs. Food and refreshments will be available.
Westbrook Library Film Series
When: June 22, June 29, 1 p.m.
Where: 800 Main St, Westbrook
Description: Celebrate Juneteenth and Black Music Appreciation Month with our family movie series. Watch a fun family movie (rated G or PG) featuring Black musicians, actors, and artists every Saturday, June 8th through June 29th. Family films will start at 1pm in our Youth Program Room. Film titles are available on our website.
Have an event you want included? Email us at web@bangordailynews.com.
As with other federal holidays, the United States Postal Service will not be delivering mail and offices will be closed on Wednesday. Most banks will also close. Stores like Walmart and Hannaford will be open as usual.
