Juneteenth at Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters

Darby Vassall, who was enslaved at birth in this house but lived most of his life in freedom, signed this petition in 1812 in support of public education access for Black student in Boston.

Annual Juneteenth Gathering: Sunday June 22, 2025

Gather for Juneteenth to honor those who endured slavery and seized freedom on Brattle Street 250 years ago, their descendants, and the long history of Black freedom activism in Cambridge and beyond.

This free, all-ages event is marking its fourth year in 2025! Denise Washington (#Pop-Up Poetry Series), a descendant of Darby Vassall, has curated the Juneteenth Gathering at Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters NHS each year. Join us for the Juneteenth Gathering, A Denise Plays Hard Event, featuring poetry, music, historical displays, family activities, and refreshments. All are welcome!

Event Details

Location: 105 Brattle St., Cambridge MA
Rain location: Christ Church Cambridge (0 Garden St.)

12:30-1:00 PM DJ Steve Gousby
1:00-1:15 PM Welcome
1:15-2:30 PM Juneteenth # Pop-Up Poetry, A Denise Plays Hard Event, including:

• Drum procession – Chibuzo Dunun
• Remarks and Libation – Edmund Barry Gaither (Director and Curator of the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists)
• The Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” – led by Judge Milton Wright
• Denise Washington & The #Pop-Up Poetry Ensemble: Akili Jamal Haynes, Lenny Bradford, Stephen O’Neal

2:30-3:30 PM

DJ Steve Gousby
Interactive history and family activities
Catered refreshments
Partner/resource tables by the Enslaved Legacy History Coalition, Christ Church Cambridge, First Church in Cambridge, and History Cambridge
StoryWalk: Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper

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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.

Duration:

6 minutes, 18 seconds

A family rediscovers the stories of their enslaved ancestors as they explore and reflect at three sites in Boston: Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site, Royall House & Slave Quarters, and Christ Church Cambridge.