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On June 19, 1865, the news and enforcement of emancipation reached thousands of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas. Today, this second Independence Day is celebrated across the country as Juneteenth, commemorating the operative end of slavery in the United States. In 2021, former President Biden signed a bill into law to implement Juneteenth as a federal holiday, however, 2026 will mark the third year that it’s recognized as an official state holiday here in Rhode Island. Check out the many celebrations and events in Rhode Island that honor this very important day.
Join the mixed Magic Theatre for a powerful night of celebrating Black creativity, history and expression on Thursday, June 18. Starting at 7 p.m., the theatre will present From Free to Freedom, a musical performance honors and pays tribute to the legacy of those who journeyed from freedom to enslavement to liberation. Written and directed by Ricardo Pitts-Wiley, the production invites audiences to experience this reclamation of history through a blend of song, dance, rhythm, and spoken word. tickets are $17.85 each and can be purchased here. 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18. Mixed Magic Theatre, 560 Mineral Spring Ave., Pawtucket, mmtri.org
Support Black-owned businesses and savor delicious food and drink this Juneteenth at the third annual “Taste of Juneteenth.” Stop by Farm Fresh RI on Friday, June 19, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to experience mouthwatering culinary delights — such as Haitian-style gluten-free empanadas, Jamaican patties and bowls, unique tea blends, authentic pit-smoked BBQ and more — from a dozen food vendors representing the diverse foodways of Black culinary talent from across New England. Guests can also enjoy music and sound by DJ Ladyruck and DJ Matik throughout the event. The event is a collaboration among Hope & Main, the Muse Foundation of RI and Juneteenth RI. “We created Taste of Juneteenth to honor this important day while providing real economic opportunity for Black-owned food businesses,” says Juan Wilson, Founder and Executive Director of MUSE Foundation of RI. “It’s a chance for our community to come together in joy, reflection, and support.” Furthermore, you can also sample and purchase an exclusive spice rub that came about from a collaboration between The MUSE Foundation of RI and Hope & Main. Proceeds will help sustain Taste of Juneteenth New England as an annual tradition. Taste of Juneteenth is free and open to the public but registration is encouraged here. Head to the Michael S VanLeesten Bridge afterwards for a Sunset Party at 6 p.m. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Friday, June 19. Farm Fresh Rhode Island, 10 Sims Ave., Providence, farmfreshri.org; tasteofjuneteenthne.org
A free public reading of Gail Burton’s Truth: A Biofictional Choreopoem will take place on Friday, June 19, in a newly restored former church. This vibrant work details the lives of four Black female freedom fighters — Sojourner Truth, Harriet Bell Hayden, Harriet Tubman and Louisa DeWolfe — through a blend of spoken word, storytelling and movement. Its creator, Gail Burton, is a Harvard-trained “weaver of myth, memory and liberation,” playwright, published author and Cambridge Peace Award recipient while its director, Kym Moore, is an award-winning director, founder of Antigravity Performance Project and Professor of Theatre Arts and Performance Studies at Brown University. The location of the event is also significant as the former St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is located one block from the Warren waterfront where eight vessels transported more than 600 West African captives to Havana and Charleston between 1789 and 1807. In 1877, the St. Mark’s Parish installed the Black Gospel Window, the first known representation of Christ and Gospel Women as people of color in American stained glass, as a “quiet counter narrative” to its neighbors. The parish closed in 2010 but has since been restored by Peter and Hadley Arnold; this event will be the first public gathering in the newly commissioned space (note: The 1877 Black Gospel Window has traveled to Memphis, Tennessee for restoration and permanent exhibition at the Memphis Museum of Art, opening in late 2026). Hosted by the Bristol Historical & Preservation Society, the event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the reading begins at 6 p.m., followed by a discussion with the playwright and collaborators. Registration is available here. 5 p.m. Friday, June 19. 21 Lyndon St., Warren, eventbrite.com/e/truth-a-biofictional-choreopoem-by-gail-burton-ticket
In honor of the federal holiday, Track 15 will host the Grace Darko Jazz Quintet and DJs Fred and Chale as part of its Summer Concert Series on Friday, June 19. Grace Darko is a Bronx native and Providence-based vocalist whose sound blends jazz, soul, and diasporic rhythm rooted in her Ghanaian and Togolese heritage. The quintet honors Black musical traditions with rich instrumentation, original compositions and reimagined classics. 6:30–9:45 p.m. Friday, June 19. Track 15, 1 Union Station, Providence, track15ri.com
Celebrate and honor this important day with Juneteenth RI at their eighth annual Juneteenth RI Festival. With the powerful mission of “collectively celebrat[ing] African American liberations, accomplishments and contributions through education, effective communication, inner strength and endurance through observance of Juneteenth,” this organization is sure to put on a unifying and joyous event that you won’t want to miss. Held on Sunday, June 21, from noon–7 p.m., the festival will include music, dancing, food and “culture honoring the journey to freedom and the vibrant spirit of our community.” RSVP for free here. 12–7 p.m. Sunday, June 21. Roger Williams Park Temple to Music, F C Greene Memorial Blvd., Providence, juneteenthri.com/festival
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