Juneteenth: Freedom Day – Mystic Seaport Museum Celebrates Juneteenth 2022

Juneteenth is a historic day that marked the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers delivered the news to Galveston, Texas that the Civil War was over and enslaved African-Americans were free. Texas was the last state to be informed that slavery had been abolished, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. The day was recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

On Sunday, June 19, Mystic Seaport Museum and Discovering Amistad are collaborating for the third year to bring a Juneteenth recognition event to the grounds of the Museum. A special program – including a panel discussion, a “Harambee” reflection, live music, and tours of the 128-foot flagship of Connecticut, the Amistad – is designed to honor African-American culture, to increase awareness and to highlight the roles that we all can play to dismantle racism.

The program begins at 3:00 and is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Eastern CT and Chelsea Groton Bank. Admission to Mystic Seaport Museum is free after 2:30 on June 19. Schedule of events:

3:00 Opening Ceremony – West African Drum Call and Musical Selection The Djembe drum call will open the event, capturing an authentic cultural reflection of the significance of Juneteenth. Welcoming remarks will be made by representatives of Mystic Seaport Museum, Discovering Amistad, and Community Foundation of Eastern CT, followed by a special guest performance of music selections.

3:30 Panel Discussion – Juneteenth: Exploring the Legacy of Slavery A panel discussion will be facilitated to foster awareness of the day. The panel will also illuminate how the thread of the past is woven into the fabric of the present. Speakers: Troy Brown, Dr. Lucinda Canty, Dr. Kendrick Roundtree, Fionnuala Darby-Hudgens.

4:45 Harambee Reflection – Harambee is a Swahili term that means “all pull together.” Attendees will have an opportunity to reflect on how they can be part of a collective solution to combat racism. A brief Harambee ceremony will include sharing a commitment (verbally or anonymously), a musical selection and a West African drum performance.

5:00-7:00 Amistad Tours – After the ceremony, attendees will have an opportunity to tour the Amistad schooner, the flagship of Connecticut. Tour guides will tell the story of how Mende Africans kidnapped from West Africa rebelled on-board the ship and eventually won the US Supreme Court case to gain their freedom and return home. 5:00-7:00 Concert The event will conclude with a live concert by Cape Verdean musicians. Additional activities will include food trucks, arts programming, and African craft vendors.