On Friday, June 19, Newton’s free Juneteenth celebration starts at 3PM at the Hyde Community Center (90 Lincoln Street, Newton Highlands).
- A party atmosphere from 3PM hosted by DJ Firestarta
- Shopping unique finds from local artisans and craft vendors
- Live performances that move your spirit (African dancing by Afro Diamond, Newton reggae artist DJ Everla$t)
- Meet the New England Patriots cheerleaders
- Two food trucks serving up delicious Caribbean flavors: Reggae Foods and Gourmet Kreyol
- A Summer Concert Series event featuring hip-hop cover band sensation The GRV from 6–8 PM
- Stretch out under the summer sky for an 8PM screening of Black Panther, the critically acclaimed box office delight that defines Black Excellence.
The celebration this year rejects division and embraces ‘Joyful resistance!’, uplifting the value and richness of African-American culture and Black Excellence. All residents and visitors are invited to help celebrate 161 years since the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. Speaking of excellence, the event will honor the service of featured guest, Dr. Henry Turner, Newton North High School Principal of 10 years, who departs to assume his new role as Superintendent of Reading Public Schools.
Follow the evolving details of the event on Eventbrite or Facebook, and please spread the word far and wide!
Event partners include fiscal sponsor, Families Organizing for Justice (FORJ), the Newton Coalition of Black Residents (NCBR), and FORJ@Newton North High School (FORJ NNHS).
Generous support is provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Harmony Foundation, and Village Bank. This Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts program is supported by Spark Newton in collaboration with The City of Newton.