Juneteenth, observed on June 19, officially became a federal holiday in 2021 and is now marked across the county with parades, performances, educational programs and community gatherings. On the North Fork and Shelter island, local organizations, churches and community groups will honor the occasion with events celebrating freedom, history, culture and community. Here’s a sampling of some local events.
Friday, June 19
From noon to 3 p.m., this free celebration of community will have live performances from local groups, community line dancing, games, over 30 vendors and food and drink.
Calling Their Names | Sylvester Manor, 80 North Ferry Road, Shelter Island, 631-749-0626
From 1-2 p.m., join the annual commemoration at the Afro-Indigenous Burial Ground at the Manor in a ceremony to honor those who lived, worked and were buried here. Free; closed footwear and bug spray is recommended.
Greenport’s Juneteenth events are organized by the Clinton Memorial AME Zion Church in Greenport, the North Fork chapter of Coming to the Table (a national nonprofit dedicated to racial healing) and the Anti-Bias Task Force of Southold Town, with assistance from the Friends of Mitchell Park. More information and ways to contribute may be found on Juneteenth Greenport’s website.
Friday, June 19
Benefit Dinner | Flavor Fork, 36 South St., Greenport, 631-477-6418
From 5-7 p.m., a dinner to benefit Greenport’s Juneteenth events takes place, curated by Vanessa Mims of I Cater 2 You, with Lenz Winery and Flavor Fork’s assistance. Special appearance by writer and artist Jo-Ann Wilson, who will perform “Pages from the Diary of an Ex-Slave” at the North Fork Arts Center later that evening.
The dinner includes wine and charcuterie appetizers and a three-course meal paired with Lenz wines. Tickets are $150 per person and may be reserved here.
Pages from the Diary of an Ex-Slave | North Fork Arts Center, 211 Front Street, Greenport, 631-477-8600
At a 7 p.m. performance, Jo-Ann Wilson tells the fictionalized story of a young enslaved woman’s escape to freedom and her subsequent life with singers, musicians and dancers. Tickets are $20 and may be obtained here.
Saturday, June 20
Juneteenth Parade and Celebration | Clinton Memorial AME Zion Church, 614 3rd St., Greenport, 631-477-0144
At 10 a.m., Reverend Natalie R. Wimberly will speak, and church elders will be honored at the Clinton Memorial AME Zion Church. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. and proceeds from the church to Mitchell Park.
From noon to 2 p.m., enjoy dance, Gospel music, drumming and spoken word performances, with Mambembé, an Afro-Brazilian percussion ensemble, and the Lavender Light Gospel Choir. For details, look here.
Saturday, June 20
This spoken-word event runs from 3-5 p.m. with sign-up for participants at 2:45 p.m. Choose to read a piece of your own, read a work from a published author or just listen. Participating poets will receive a $1 discount on pints during the event, which will be followed by live music. Free; to RSVP text 631-680-7870.
