Amherst Celebrates 10 Years of Juneteenth

The 10th Anniversary Juneteenth Celebration, organized by the Black Business Association of the Amherst Area, was held at St. Brigid’s Parish in Amherst on June 19, 2026. Throughout the venue, rich reds, greens, golds, and black motifs honored African American heritage.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed the last enslaved African Americans that they were free — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had declared the freedom of enslaved people in Confederate states.

Juneteenth gained renewed national attention in 2020 amid widespread demonstrations following the killing of George Floyd and a broader reckoning with racial injustice in the United States. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation establishing Juneteenth National Independence Day as a federal holiday.

Recent decisions affecting federal recognition of certain commemorative days, and broader discussions about the presentation of slavery, civil rights, and African American history at government sites, have generated concern across many communities. Against this backdrop, Amherst’s Juneteenth celebration served as a powerful reminder of why preserving and sharing these stories remains essential.

The afternoon began with a warm welcome from emcee Monica Cage. An opening prayer was offered by Father Valentine Nworah, followed by a traditional libation ceremony led by Andrea Battle, honoring ancestors whose struggles and sacrifices paved the way for future generations.

Among the elected officials present, state Rep. Mindy Domb offered remarks recognizing the importance of Juneteenth. The program also featured the Extraordinary Leadership Award, presented to Kathleen Anderson, and the Youth Excellence Award, presented to Charles Walker Hooker. Throughout the afternoon, the Amherst Area Gospel Choir uplifted attendees with music reflecting both faith and resilience.

Onawumi Jean Moss, a longtime community member and frequent participant in local cultural events, shared her personal journey from her upbringing in Tennessee to her life today. Born in 1936, Moss reflected on coming of age during a period marked by segregation and limited opportunities. Drawing on the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., she reminded the audience that progress is achieved through perseverance, compassion, and collective action, and she challenged those gathered to continue demonstrating the good work being done every day.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Amilcar Shabazz, widely recognized for his scholarship, public history work, and community engagement in Amherst. His remarks helped weave the celebration into a meaningful and cohesive experience.

The event also supported fundraising efforts benefiting survivors of the East Street fire in Hadley.

Among the vendors were individuals dressed in green cotton garments who shared information about their efforts to support women’s education and feminine health initiatives in Togo, West Africa. Their presence reflected the celebration’s broader vision of connecting history with present-day action — inspiring individuals to engage with their communities by sharing stories, traditions, and experiences.

Food, too, served as a bridge between people. By incorporating Caribbean and West African dishes alongside traditional favorites, the celebration acknowledged the global connections and cultural diversity that have always been part of the African diaspora. Among the volunteers was Artie McCollum, recognizable by his tall, lean stature, reddish hair, and kind, welcoming smile, who worked alongside his teenage son to help serve attendees.

The afternoon concluded with a burst of contemporary energy through music, dance, and fashion. Performances by Tem Blessed and Cite Light energized the audience, while the Afrique Fashion Show, coordinated by Karina Dise, showcased creativity, cultural expression, and pride. The rhythmic sounds of Umoja Drumming and Dance brought participants together in celebration of African cultural traditions, linking generations of storytelling, resilience, and resistance with modern forms of artistic expression.

In a time when the teaching and preservation of history are increasingly debated, Juneteenth in Amherst offered a powerful reminder of why historical understanding matters — honoring not only the past but also the responsibility to carry its lessons forward.

As one attendee reflected, learning that history can feel like a homecoming: not simply returning to the past, but coming home to who we are.

Through stories, art, food, music, and conversation, Juneteenth became a living reminder that freedom is an ongoing commitment to justice, understanding, and shared humanity.