Juneteenth Gathering
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 event will feature a community gathering with music, poetry, and speeches, followed by a screening of the award-winning 2022 documentary Descendant.
4:00-6:00 PM Outdoor Community Gathering
This all-ages gathering is free and open to all. Gather with your loved ones, neighbors, and community members on the Longfellow House lawn for the opening procession; music and poetry performances by Denise Washington and Becoming Chibuzo; featured presentations by the living Descendants of Tony, Cuba, and Darby Vassall; family-friendly activities, and insight from local historians. Light refreshments provided.
6:00-8:30 PM Indoor Film Screening: Descendant (2022)
At 6:15 PM, the award-winning documentary Descendant will be screened next door at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. The film follows descendants of the survivors of the Clotilda, the last-known slave ship to arrive in the United States, as they celebrate their heritage and take command of their legacy. Free; seating is first-come, first-served (maximum 100 attendees). Running time 1 hour 49 mins.
Click here to learn more about Cuba, Dinah, Malcolm, William, and three children: James and two “small boys” whose names are no longer known. 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, Cambridge Black History Project, First Church Cambridge, and Christ Church Cambridge.
Fees
This event is free to attend.
Schedule
Date:
Time:
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Contact Information
Emily Levine
617-876-4491
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Event Type
- Festival
- Partner Program
- Performance
- Talk