Juneteenth at Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters

Juneteenth 2022

Annual Juneteenth Gathering: Sunday June 16, 2024

Gather for Juneteenth to honor those who endured slavery and seized freedom on Brattle Street before the American Revolution, their living descendants, and the long history of Black freedom activism in Cambridge and beyond. This free, all-ages event will feature a community gathering with speeches by living descendants, Juneteenth # Pop-Up Poetry, A Denise Plays Hard Event; music, historical displays, family activities, and refreshments

Event Schedule

Coming soon!

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Click here to learn more about Cuba, Dinah, Malcolm, William, and three children: James and two “small boys” whose names are currently unknown. These seven people were enslaved by John Vassall at 105 Brattle Street in Cambridge prior to the American Revolution, seized their freedom, and built a legacy of activism.

Presented in partnership with the Descendants of Tony and Cuba Vassall, History Cambridge, the Museum of African American History, Royall House and Slave Quarters, Slave Legacy History Coalition, First Church Cambridge, Christ Church Cambridge, and the Cambridge Historical Commission.

Duration:

2 minutes, 19 seconds

Remarks by Roberta Wolff-Platt, descendant of Tony and Cuba Vassall, written in conjunction with the 2023 Juneteenth Gathering.

Duration:

2 minutes, 12 seconds

Galadriel Ferguson, a descendant of Tony and Cuba Vassall, reads her original poem, "Freedom."