Along with the first days of summer, the month of June brings Juneteenth, the anniversary of the date when the last enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, learned they had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation. This year, on Thursday, June 19, there will be celebrations of freedom across the Lower Hudson Valley.
The Lincoln Park Conservancy has developed a series of events throughout the month of June in New Rochelle to celebrate the national holiday.
Whether you’re looking for a festival or a film screening, a historical exhibit or something else entirely, you should check out some of the city’s celebrations in honor of the holiday.
Your guide to celebrating Juneteenth in New Rochelle, NY
‘History Restored: Black Entrepreneurship’ exhibit
Exhibit curator Linda Tarrant-Reid uses photographs from the Library of Congress’ digital archives and the Henry Ford digital archives, along with photographs she took herself, to tell the stories of some of the Black-owned businesses of the Lincoln Corridor in New Rochelle and across the United States.
When: Monday, June 2 through Thursday, June 26
Where: Lumen Winter Gallery at the New Rochelle Public Library, 1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle
For more info: Check out the event’s Facebook page at facebook.com/share/p/1AhG18ELnz/
‘My Life Is Not My Own’ by Lucinda Carr
Celebrate Juneteenth with this one-woman show that steps into the life of Harriet Tubman, portraying the trials and triumphs of her journey.
When: 7 to 8 p.m., Friday, June 13
Where: Ossie Davis Theater at the New Rochelle Public Library, 1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle
For more info: Check out the event details at newrochelle.librarycalendar.com
The 5th annual ‘Restoring Our History’ Juneteenth celebration
Celebrate freedom with an African marketplace, performances, food trucks, special kids zone and more.
When: Noon to 6 p.m., Thursday, June 19
Where: Glen Island Park, Weyman Avenue, New Rochelle
For more info: Check out the event’s Facebook page at facebook.com/share/p/1AXW9cJ8fR/
African Storytelling for kids
Join the New Rochelle Public Library for an interactive storytelling performance that shares the joys and lessons of African folklore. (This program is designed for children to attend with their accompanying parent or guardian.)
When: 11 a.m. to noon, Thursday, June 19
Where: Children’s Room at the New Rochelle Public Library, 1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle
For more info: Check out the event details at newrochelle.librarycalendar.com
“Leveling Lincoln” movie screening
Join the Lincoln Park Conservancy, Inc. and the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle for a screening of the documentary, “Leveling Lincoln,” about the landmark 1961 desegregation case Taylor vs. Board of Education of New Rochelle, NY, where an entire elementary school was torn down to achieve a level playing field in education.
When: 6:30 to 8 p.m., Friday, June 20
Where: 1 Remington Pl., New Rochelle.
For more info: Check out event details on the Lincoln Park Conservancy’s Juneteenth Facebook page
Friday Night Concert Series: Allan Harris and the Poetry of Jazz
Jazz musician Allan Harris explores a wide range of artistic works, including those of William Shakespeare, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Dylan Thomas, Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou and more in this one-of-a-kind performance.
When: 7 to 8:30 p.m., Friday June 20
Where: Ossie Davis Theater at the New Rochelle Public Library, 1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle
For more info: Check out the event details at newrochelle.librarycalendar.com
Thomas Paine Cottage celebrates Juneteenth
Check out the Thomas Paine Cottage’s special children’s tour of the historic site with demonstrations. (This event requires a voucher and registration to attend. Remember to pick up your voucher for a free visit at the Juneteenth celebration at Glen Island on June 19.)
When: 1 p.m., Saturday, June 21
Where: Thomas Paine Cottage, 20 Sicard Ave., New Rochelle.
For more info: Check out the event on Facebook at facebook.com/share/p/1Fb8M4Ezrw/
Historic Trolley Tour
The Lincoln Park Conservancy will host a trolley tour of African American enclaves in New Rochelle. The tour will be led by New Rochelle City Historian and Director of the Westchester County Historical Society Barbara Davis.
When: 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 22
Where: Contact The Lincoln Park Conservancy directly.
For more info: Make reservations by contacting The Lincoln Park Conservancy, Inc. online at thelincolnparkconservancy.org/contact/
Juneteenth Plaza Party
Enjoy a party in Clinton Plaza with food trucks, vendors, face-painting and more.
When: Noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 28
Where: Clinton Plaza between 1 and 2 Clinton Park, South Division St., New Rochelle
For more info: Check out event details on the Lincoln Park Conservancy’s Juneteenth Facebook page
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Updated: New Rochelle celebrates Juneteenth with historic trolley tour, festival, more
Reporting by Samantha Antrum, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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