JUNETEENTH ALL DAY LONG IN NEWTON

Families with young children are invited to a Juneteenth story and activity event with Story Starters and Hummingbird Books. Story Starters, a Newton nonprofit, helps families speak with young children about race, using pictures books to start conversations and promote anti-racist values. Local author Candelaria Norma Silva will read aloud some of her stories inspired by her Southern upbringing, close-knit extended family, and life in Boston. Tickets for the event are required for children and are $6.92, with all proceeds benefiting Newton Youth Success Collaborative. Tickets are not needed for caregivers and infants. If it rains, storytime will be held inside Hummingbird Books.

The Hyde Community Center in Newton Highlands is the city’s hub for celebrating Juneteenth all afternoon long on June 19th. From 12-4 PM, everyone—families, students, Newton residents and visitors—is invited to take part in the festival’s vast number of activities celebrating Black culture and heritage. There’s Carribean food for lunch, a pop-up market of local Black-owned businesses, the region’s top steel band, an African dance performance, a DJ-led dance party, face-painting—and that’s just for starters… This FREE outdoor event is one of the region’s longest running Juneteenth festivals, organized by the Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ) and Newton Coalition of Black Residents (NCBR). To help with planning, RSVPS are appreciated (but not required.)

They’ve performed at the Kennedy Center, the White House, and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. They’ve shared the stage with music luminaries like Stevie Wonder, Barry Manilow, Tony Bennett, and Patti LaBelle. And on June 19th the world-renowned Howard University Gospel Choir performs at the Allen Center before heading to their next concert in Romania. As an added bonus, award-winning vocalist Donna McElroy will make a special appearance with the choir. The recently renovated Allen Center is a fitting location for celebrating Juneteenth. One of the city’s premier performance facilities, the historic building is the former home of abolitionist Nathaniel Allen, the site of one of the first integrated schools, and was a Newton stop on the Underground Railroad. Tickets for this not-to-be-missed Juneteenth event are still available. There will also be light bites of traditional soul food and beverages for sale, a gallery exhibit of local Black artists, and tours of the property.

Stay in West Newton after the concert and wrap up your Juneteenth celebrations at one of the local restaurants. Ninebark is featuring their Vegetarian Jambalaya and a Strawberry Lemon Drop Cocktail. There's fried chicken at Paddy's with all of the fixings. Bluebird has made a name for itself with its top-notch bar and cocktails--with plenty of red ones along with their chicken wings. On the way home stop at Lavender Cafe for Red Velvet Cupcakes, Hibiscus Iced Tea, and other desserts perfect for Juneteenth.