ELLSWORTH — The fourth annual Juneteenth Downeast Commemoration returns to Knowlton Park, 11 Shore Road, Ellsworth, Maine on Wednesday, June 19 from 3-7 p.m. This free festival invites all Mainers and visitors to participate in Juneteenth for a day filled with Black and Indigenous music, culture, food, and activities for all ages.
Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19th, commemorates the day when Black Americans in Galveston, Texas were first told that they were freed from slavery, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This significant date was recognized as a federal holiday only in 2021. The Downeast community comes together to acknowledge the ongoing struggle for freedom endured by Black and Indigenous people for over half a millennium. This commemoration honors those who have paved the way and allows the community to express gratitude for the strength and replenishment found in fellowship.
This year’s theme is “Shoulder to Shoulder,” in order to shine a light on the shared challenges faced by, and celebrate the resilience and vibrancy of, Black and Indigenous communities in Maine. United in solidarity to create a space of belonging, purpose, and, importantly, joy and ease, all Mainers are invited to be part of this special day!
Organized as a collaborative effort among community organizations and individuals, the day will be filled with hands-on activities for youth and adults, informational tables, and more. Black and Indigenous people will be central to all musical performances and speaker engagements, with appearances by Stream Reggae, Chief-Nze Oscar Mokeme, Dwayne Tomah, the Burnurwurbskek Singers, and more. Complimentary food will be available from local vendors: Island Takeout, offering Jamaican cuisine; Ca C’est Bon Food Truck, featuring Cajun-inspired delicacies; Honey and Lace, providing delectable baked goods; Katahdin Kitchen, an Indigenous kitchen in the heart of Wabanaki territory; and Cas Ole Catering, serving Southern soul food.
Juneteenth Downeast extends their heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, including Healthy Acadia, Greater Bangor Area Branch NAACP, YWCA MDI, MDI Racial Equity Working Group, Downeast Diversity, The Jackson Laboratory, Mano en Mano, Exercise Design Lab, and with a special shout out to WERU Community Radio for their ongoing support.
This event is funded in part by grants from Good Shepherd Food Bank in partnership with Black Owned Maine; Maine Initiatives; and The Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous & Tribal Populations, State Of Maine; as well as by the amazing generosity of individuals, businesses, and organizations in our community. Juneteenth Downeast is fiscally sponsored by Healthy Acadia.
For a list of event partners and supporters, and to make a donation in support of this event, visit www.juneteenthdowneast.org/giving.
The commemoration will be broadcast live on WERU Community Radio 89.9 FM and streamed at WERU.org, as well as via live video streaming through www.juneteenthdowneast.org.
For more information about Juneteenth Downeast 2024 and the full schedule, please visit www.juneteenthdowneast.org and follow @JuneteenthDowneast on Facebook for updates.
