Juneteenth Gathering

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 speeches, poetry, music, historical displays, family activities, and refreshments. All are welcome!

Event Details
12:30-1:00 PM DJ Steve Gousby
1:00-1:20 PM Welcome, speakers
1:20-2:30 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
StoryWalk: Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper