Join the mixed Magic Theatre for a powerful night of celebrating Black creativity, history and expression. The night will kick off with a Mix n’ Mingle event in the theatre’s vibrant gallery and lobby and feature a dynamic presentation on photography and Black history by The Vanta Guild. afterwards, catch “That Freedom Feeling.” This moving fifteen-minute performance is a preview of “From Free to Freedom” — a visceral experience of what it means to rise, reclaim and rejoice. The event is free to the public, but registration is required here. Wednesday, June 18, 5–8 p.m., Mixed Magic Theatre, 560 Mineral Spring Ave., Pawtucket, mmtri.org
Local Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth Freedom Day
On this day, Rhode Island commemorates the end of slavery in the United States through remembrance and celebration.
Via Getty Images
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, 2025 will mark the second 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.
RIse to Black | That Freedom Feeling
Juneteenth: The Price of Freedom Symposium
On Thursday, June 19, the African American Museum of Rhode Island is hosting a free symposium at Hope High School Auditorium. The talk will be facilitated by Dr. Christopher West. Food will be provided. RSVP here. Thursday, June 19, 1–3p.m., Hope High School Auditorium, 324 Hope St., suite 003, Providence, juneteenthri.com
Support Black-owned businesses and savor delicious food and drink this Juneteenth at the second annual “Taste of Juneteenth.” Stop by Farm Fresh RI in Providence on Thursday, June 19 between noon and 6 p.m. to experience mouth-watering 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. 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.” Guests can also purchase a spice rub crafted exclusively for Taste of Juneteenth New England. Proceeds will help sustain Taste of Juneteenth New England as an annual tradition. The event is free but registration is encouraged. Thursday, June 19, from noon to 6 p.m. Farm Fresh Rhode Island, 10 Sims Ave., Providence, farmfreshri.org; tasteofjuneteenthne.org
“Stories and Songs in Celebration of Black Freedom”
On June 19, the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society and the Newport Restoration Foundation will host a a dynamic performance by Valerie Tutson of the Rhode Island Black Storytellers at Rough Point. “Stories and Songs in Celebration of Black Freedom” brings to life the enduring spirit, resilience, and cultural traditions of Black communities through powerful narratives and songs. Tickets for this free program are available at newportrestoration.org/events. Thursday, June 19, at 1:30p.m. Rough Point, 680 Bellevue Ave., Newport, newportrestoration.org
“A Matter of Truth Newport: Chronicling 400 Years of Resilience in Newport, Rhode Island (1620-2020)”
Head to the Jane Pickens Theater in Newport on the evening of June 19 for a talk by Keith W. Stokes — Rhode Island’s State Historian Laureate and co-author of A Matter of Truth. The historian will discuss the ongoing journey toward truth, justice and equity and will offer historical insights and personal reflections on Rhode Island’s 400-year history of racial discrimination and resilience. Tickets are available on the theater’s website. Thursday, June 19, at 5:30 p.m. Jane Pickens Theater, 49 Touro St., Newport, 401-846-5474, janepickens.com
A Matter of Truth-Newport, a new exhibition celebrating the contributions and resiliency of African heritage and Indigenous peoples in Newport, will open at the Vernon House on Friday, June 20. Inspired by the book A Matter of Truth: The Struggle for African Heritage & Indigenous People Equal Rights in Providence, Rhode Island (1620-2020), this exhibition uses objects and narratives from RIBHS’s extensive collections to highlight the indelible contributions of people of color to the rich legacy of Newport’s architectural and cultural heritage. “This exhibit shines a light not only on Newport’s rich and complex history, but also on the deep importance of preserving the places where those stories unfolded. To stand in the spaces where people lived, worked, and worshipped is to feel their presence — to see history come alive in a way that words alone cannot capture,” says Theresa Guzmán Stokes, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. “For African heritage history especially, these touchstones matter. They bear witness to lives, to struggles, to triumphs, and to a legacy that deserves to be seen and celebrated. Through our partnership with the Newport Restoration Foundation, we are honored to help bring these stories to life and ensure they continue to inspire for generations to come.”Themes will include the Rhode Island’s history of racial injustice, Newport’s Gilded Age, and the impact of 20th-century urban renewal. The exhibition will run from June 20 to September 28 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission is free. Timed entry reservations are available at newportrestoration.org/tickets. Vernon House, 46 Clarke St., Newport, newportrestoration.org/tickets
Finding Bannister: A Historic Walking Tour
On Saturday, June 21, Stages of Freedom is hosting an historic walking tour through Providence, led by African American historian Ray Rickman. Participate to experience a lively introduction to the exciting lives, work and sites of Providence artist and visionary Edward Bannister, and hair doctress and philanthropist Christiana Bannister. While the event is free, spaces are limited so be sure to register here. Saturday, June 21, at 4 p.m. 10 Westminster St., Providence, 401-421-0606, stagesoffreedom.org
Seventh Annual Juneteenth RI Celebration
Celebrate and honor this important day with Juneteenth RI at their seventh 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 22, 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 here. Sunday, June 22, from 12–7 p.m. Providence, F C Greene Memorial Blvd., Providence, juneteenthri.com/festival
