Juneteenth Preview
Juneteenth commemorates the declaration that all Black people in Galveston, Texas were “free.” This announcement, made on June 19, 1865, came more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and is considered by Black people in the United States as “Emancipation Day.” The date is celebrated annually to commemorate the end of slavery in the country; however, last year, the State of New York State announced that this date would become an official state holiday beginning in 2021. The welcome announcement has prompted additional celebrations and events throughout Westchester County.
Below is a line-up of upcoming Juneteenth programs. Additional details for these events will be reported in the June issue of ArtsNews.
June 1
• Virtual Countywide Juneteenth Kickoff Program (via Facebook and Zoom at 7pm)
Presented by ArtsWestchester, the Westchester African American Advisory Board, White Plains Juneteenth Heritage Inc. and the Juneteenth Committees of Mt. Vernon, Peekskill, Yonkers, Irvington and Haverstraw. This virtual program, featuring lectures, music and dance, will mark the beginning of a month-long celebration of Juneteenth activities throughout the County.
June 12
• City of White Plains Virtual Juneteenth Celebration
(Telecast on Fios channel 47, Optimum channel 75 and streamed online, 11am) Presented by White Plains Juneteenth Heritage, Inc.
June 18-20
• City of Yonkers: Citywide Juneteenth African Heritage Festival Weekend 2021
June 18-19
• Town of Haverstraw
Presented by Haverstraw African American Connection
June 19
• City of Peekskill: Juneteenth Celebration (12pm)
• City of Irvington (Main Street School, 1-3pm)
• City of Mount Vernon (TBD)
A version of this article first appeared in the May issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.
About ArtsWestchester
Founded in 1965, ArtsWestchester is New York State’s largest private not-for-profit arts council. The leading funder and advocate for the arts in Westchester and Rockland Counties, ArtsWestchester works to create an equitable, inclusive, vibrant and sustainable community in which the arts are integral to and integrated into every facet of life. Building on its 60-year legacy, ArtsWestchester advances arts and culture by providing grants, bringing artists into schools and community centers, advocating for the arts, and building audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. ArtsWestchester enriches the lives of everyone in the community and operates a multi-use gallery and home for the arts at 31 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains, New York.