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Juneteenth

Juneteenth is often cited as African-American Independence Day, a special day of recognition by many municipalities and states. The observances commemorate June 19, 1865, the day the Emancipation Proclamation was finally enforced in Texas, the last of the seceding states to be occupied by the federal army. At the time, an estimated 250,000 persons were still enslaved in Texas, despite the signing of the proclamation more than two years earlier.

Every year the Juneteenth Committee (of the Woods Hole Diversity Advisory Committee) plans events, lectures and/or activities to celebrate Juneteenth.

2023 Activities

Film Screening:

Wednesday, June 14, 2023, 7:00 pm WHPL film screening

The MBL Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Woods Hole Public Library are collaborating on a movie night to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday a little early on Wednesday, June 14. Join us for a free screening of a great flim at 7:00 PM, and stay after the movie for Juneteenth themed trivia and prizes!

Visit the library's website for more information
In person:
Woods Hole Public Library
581 Woods Hole Road Woods Hole, MA 02543

Annual Lecture:

Friday, June 16, 2023, 8:00 pm Friday Evening Lecture Series: “Changing the Complexion of the Life Sciences” - Kenneth Turner

This year our annual lecture titled Friday Evening Lecture Series: “Changing the Complexion of the Life Sciences” will be presented by guest speaker Kenneth Turner from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center. After the lecture (approximately 45-minutes) the remaining time will be for live Q&A.

Registration for Zoom event
In person:
Clapp Auditorium
7 MBL Street Woods Hole, MA 02543

Juneteenth Freedom Walk & Celebration:

Monday, June 19, 2023. 11:00 am – 1:30 pm at Highfield Hall & Gardens

Celebrate Juneteenth your way. Dance to the tunes of Crocodile River Music, enjoy refreshments and conversation, or take a reflective walk in Beebe Woods. Activities for all ages!

The morning begins with music under the tent from 11:00 am-11:45 am. African rhythms, history, and culture merge into movement, cultural exploration, and joy with Crocodile River Music. Internationally recognized, the group consists of members from Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Tanzania, and the US.

This diverse group of people is committed to presenting African art, music, and culture to audiences of all ages, backgrounds, and capabilities. Their goal is to provide experiences that encourage all participants to gain awareness of the intrinsic value of African arts, cultures, and histories.

In addition, several paths of variable lengths will be shown on map handouts for reflective walks for freedom in the Highfield Gardens or the surrounding Beebe Woods. To share your walk with us on social media, use the #DACFreedomWalk on your post.

Light refreshments and information about Juneteenth will be available under the tent. For younger folks there will be coloring pages, Wordfind activity sheets, and a Storywalk, with the picture book, A Flag for Juneteenth, on the ADA accessible historic Beech Tree path, presented in collaboration with the Falmouth Library Youth Services Division. Finally, there will be space for conversation and contemplation

This event is free, but we invite you to register online (or call 508-495-1878 ext. 2) for planning purposes!

Previous Juneteenth Activities

The Juneteenth Flag
The Juneteenth Flag
Rev. Will Mebane of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Falmouth with Tara Murphy of Ammaya Dance and Drum (formerly known as Cape Cod African Dance and Drum) during the 2019 Juneteenth Celebration.
Rev. Will Mebane of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Falmouth with Tara Murphy of Ammaya Dance and Drum (formerly known as Cape Cod African Dance and Drum) during the 2019 Juneteenth Celebration.