Black creativity matters
Boston arts scene gets ready to celebrate Juneteenth
Last July, Massachusetts made Juneteenth a state holiday. That means this June 19 will be the first time the Bay State officially marks the day commemorating June 19, 1865, the day that slaves in Galveston, Texas, learned about their emancipation and the oldest-known U.S. celebration of the end of slavery. Our state and city will do it right.
This weekend artists, activists, scholars and more present a mix of joyous, somber and creative events in and around Boston. From films to lectures to live music, Juneteenth will feature plenty of opportunities to educate and celebrate.
“Miss Juneteenth,” June 18, Loring Greenough House lawn, Jamaica Plain
A Sundance Film Festival smash from last year, “Miss Juneteenth” follows the story of a single mom and former teen beauty queen who enters her rebellious daughter into a local Miss Juneteenth pageant. Written and directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples, the film is part of Loring Greenough House’s Friday night film series and costs $5 for adult members, $7 for adult nonmembers. (loring-greenough.org)
Musical performances, MFA’s artist-in-residence Rob Stull and “Summer of Soul,” June 19, Museum of Fine Arts
The MFA has a slate of heady, arty and cool programs set up to honor the contributions of Black artists, scholars and creative voices to the city of Boston. Illustrator Rob Stull will give a spotlight talk. Live music will come from the Mike Christmas Collective, Jordan Carter Band, See Four and DJ Baby Indiglo (thanks to curators at BAMS Fest and host D. Ruff). The museum will host an outdoor screening of Questlove’s “Summer of Soul” in partnership with the Roxbury International Film Festival. There’s more and it’s all free (including the museum)! (mfa.org)
“The Slave Narrative of Willie Mae,” June 19, Black Market, Nubian Square
The premiere of this experimental short film is part of a daylong Juneteenth celebration in Nubian Square. Adapted by Letta Neely from Ifé Franklin’s book of the same name about a 20-year old Black woman enslaved in Virginia, “The Slave Narrative of Willie Mae” features direction from Franklin with help from Emmy-Award winning director Evelyn Moore and was shot on location at the Royall House and Slave Quarters in Medford. (ifearts.com)
The Black Matters Juneteenth Experience, June 19, Central Square, Cambridge
Cambridge apparel company Black Matters throws its first party. The night will show off local talent including live music, poetry readings, dancing and giveaways. The bash is free and goes down in the new public space Starlight Square. (shopblackmatters.com)
Opera in the Key of Freedom, June 19, virtual
This online stream heralds the range of Black composers across three centuries. North End Music & Performing Arts Center’s Opera Project pulled together leading Black musicians in the Boston area to perform works filmed at several sites on Boston’s Black Heritage Trail. The program features works from William Grant Still, Scott Joplin and the Chevalier de Saint-Georges — plus a world premiere commission from Mason Bynes. (nempacboston.org)
Freedom Fête, June 19, virtual
Not ready for in-person events but want to join in the celebration? This virtual dance party features DJs from around the U.S. championing the beauty and contributions of the African Diaspora. The event will also help support grassroots organizations Boston Ujima Project, For the Gworls and Activation Residency, which empower brown and Black women and trans people in Boston, New York, and beyond. (thetrustees.org/event/62846)