WORCESTER – The spirit of freedom was celebrated at Institute Park over the weekend as the 2023 Black Heritage Committee held its belated Juneteenth festival which had been rescheduled to July due to rain.
Juneteenth, designated a federal holiday by president Joe Biden in 2021, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Galveston Texas on June 19, 1865. The event, held on Saturday, brought together Worcester residents from all walks of life to enjoy an afternoon of black culture near the campus of WPI.
Entertainment at the event included musical acts performed by local musicians including, Ladii Girl, Darius Stone, Lil Rennie, DJ Tyke and Chapella Rabes. Other acts included a soccer showcase from the Kumasi Soccer FC team as well as a dance performance from the dance troop ‘Step Into Culture’.
The festival’s history tent featured educational exhibits and informative displays to educate attendees about the history of Juneteenth and its importance in the struggle for civil rights. Another tent included a collaborative community quilt which children were encouraged to help design for its eventual display at the Worcester Art Museum.
Several vendor tables representing black owned businesses present, including R&R Jerk Chicken, Positively Africana, Pinch of Africa and others.
