Fifth Annual Ancestral Bridges Juneteenth Legacy Celebration, June 14
The Rhythm of Community: Reciprocity and Universal Connection Through the Transformative Force of Music and Spoken Word.
Source: Ancestral Bridges
The Fifth Annual Ancestral Bridges Juneteenth Celebration will be held on Saturday, June 14 at locations throughout the Town of Amherst beginning at 10:30 a.m. Families, residents, and visitors from near and far are invited to immerse themselves in the rich history, resilience, vibrancy, struggles, and triumphs of Amherst’s historic Black community and its Juneteenth roots, which have shaped our town over the years. The day’s events are a tribute to heritage, culture, arts, the human spirit, and include a range of new experiences for all ages.
Schedule of Events
10:30 a.m.: Ancestral Bridges 29A Cottage Street: connect with our past and bring it forward. Engage with descendants, including emcee @spacecenterhou_ceo during an open house at Amherst’s newest addition to the Cultural District.
11:30 a.m. Historic West Cemetery, Triangle Street: this years celebration features a revitalized Civil War-era reenactment and soulful tribute to the Black and Afro-Indigenous Amherst residents who served in the Massachusetts 54th Regiment and the Massachusetts 5th Cavalry, recognizing their vital roles in the military actions we celebrate today as Juneteenth. We honor them and all who joined the mission to let freedom ring.
12:30 p.m.The Emily Dickinson Museum, 220 Main Street: continues the celebration wth a poetic lunch, featuring readings by artists Mel Arthur and Nathan McClain!
2:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m: UMass Downtown, 108 North Pleasant Street, will bring us home with a tribute to the jazz roots of Amherst, featuring live sets with Chuck Langford at 2:30, 3:00, and 3:30 p.m.
Jones Library Kid’s Room (location TBA) will sponsor family friendly activity throughout the events.
Free transportation is available from Amherst High School at 10 a.m.
Sunday, June 15th: the Juneteenth celebration continues with a special service at Hope Church at 10 a.m.
All events are free and open to all.