Juneteenth celebrations in New Bedford area: Find tours, talks, food

NEW BEDFORD — The New Bedford area will be buzzing with events on and around June 19 as the community comes together to celebrate Juneteenth.

Juneteenth was first celebrated in Texas on June 19, 1866, one year after the events of June 19, 1865, when Union Gen. Gordon Granger announced the freedom of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, according to USA Today. In 2021, it became a national holiday.

If you have the day off, here are ways to honor Juneteenth in the SouthCoast featuring educational tours, delicious food, inspiring speakers and uplifting cultural fairs.

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Juneteenth-Themed Environmental Justice Walking Tour

On June 19 at noon, join community members at Pier 3, 51 MacArthur Drive, New Bedford, for an eye-opening Environmental Justice Walking Tour. This guided experience will weave together the themes of Juneteenth and environmental justice, taking participants through sites impacted by pollution while highlighting how environmental racism has affected local neighborhoods. Along the way, attendees will hear powerful stories from residents and advocates working tirelessly for justice and healing in New Bedford.

Guest speaker Marcus Coward at Little Free Diverse Library

On June 19, at 3 p.m., guests are invited to the Little Free Diverse Library at Ned’s Point in Mattapoisett for an engaging afternoon with Marcus Coward, Human Rights Commissioner of New Bedford and host of “Wake Up New Bedford.” Attendees will enjoy traditional Juneteenth food from the Artisan Bake Shop in a welcoming, reflective setting as Coward shares his perspectives on equity and the ongoing journey toward racial justice.

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Medway Marches at Medway Community Farm

Medway Marches will host a special performance at Medway Community Farm on June 19, from noon to 4:30 p.m. The afternoon will blend education, culture and activism, making it a meaningful way to engage with Juneteenth commemorations.

5th annual TDN Cultural Fair and Juneteenth Celebration

The spirit of Juneteenth and multicultural community continues on June 21, with the fifth annual Taunton Diversity Network Cultural Fair at the PACC in Taunton, from 2 to 6 p.m. The celebration promises a festive atmosphere with local vendors, food trucks serving up diverse flavors, live music, family-friendly entertainment, and a space to honor freedom, unity and cultural pride.

Resist & Rise: United for Peace and Freedom

Another community highlight takes place on June 21 at Kennedy Pavillion Park in New Bedford from noon to 4 p.m. “Resist & Rise: United for Peace and Freedom” is a celebration of strength, resilience, and the ongoing fight for liberation. This event will feature inspiring speakers, musical performances, powerful art displays, community discussions on achieving lasting change, and a shared meal for fellowship. It’s an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to gather in reflection, solidarity, and action.

Support Juneteenth by Supporting Black-Owned Businesses

Another way to celebrate Juneteenth is by supporting local Black-owned businesses. Since 2020, Buy Black NB has served as a resource connecting consumers to hundreds of Black-owned businesses across the SouthCoast, as well as organizing vendor markets, highlighting Black women entrepreneurs, and promoting economic empowerment. This Juneteenth, residents are invited to uplift the Black business community by “buying Black” and participating in ongoing efforts to foster inclusion and opportunity.

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Find out more about him at sethchitwood.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.