“Passport to Freedom” Events to Celebrate Juneteenth

New Britain’s “Passport to Freedom” celebration of Juneteenth is to include four days of events from June 16, 2023 to Juneteenth, itself, June 19th.

The “Passport to Freedom” is sponsored by by the Mary McLeod Bethune Club, New Britain NAACP, Gallery 66, City of New Britain Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain High School African American Club and the Black Ministers Alliance of New Britain.

Juneteenth is a national celebration of the end of slavery, won by the victory in the Civil War. The National Museum of African American History and Culture, says that, when the Emancipation Proclamation took effect on January 1, 1863,

not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as “Juneteenth,” by the newly freed people in Texas.

On Friday, June 16th, Gallery 66 is presenting the “Proclaimed Freedom,” exhibit, featuring, “artwork that celebrates diversity, inclusivity and PRIDE.” The reception is June 16, 2023, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Artists featured are to include Adis Halilovic, Craig Diangelo, Dana Simmons, James D’Amore, Jordan Jones, Mark Tegtmeier, Mel Nwokocha, Michele Fischer-Paul, Pepo, Sarah Grote and Victor Tellez.

Later in the evening on June 16th, the Pride of Connecticut Lodge #1437 and Anna Warmsley Temple #1073 are hosting a Black Out Affair. “Join us as we celebrate our freedom,” say event organizers about the even. The all black cocktail attire event is to be from 9:00pm to 1:00pm, at 24-30 Elm Street.

On Saturday, June 17th, the New Britain Museum of American Art is celebrating Juneteenth with a free Community Day. “Join us on this day-long event,” the Museum says, “featuring artistic performances, music, in-gallery experiences, and of course art-making.” The Museum adds, “Shop from local Black-owned businesses, support independent artists, and grab a bite from regional food trucks.” The Celebration is to be Saturday, June 17, 2023. Starting at 11:00am and continuing to 4:00pm.

On Sunday, June 18th, the Black Ministerial Alliance of New Britain is hosting a Juneteenth Fathers Day Gospel Concert. The event is to feature M.C. Donnelly Smallwood from the Pentecostal Church in Waterbury and the St. James Missionary Baptist Church Choir, as well as Praise Teams from Peace Missionary Ministries, Grace CME Church and 414 from Shiloh Christian Church of Middletown. The Concert is to be on June 18, 2023, at 3:00pm at South Church at 90 Main Street. Good will offerings will be accepted.

On June 19th, Mayor Erin E. Stewart and the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities are presenting Juneteenth Freedom Fest at Central Park. The event is to include that Juneteenth flag raising, live music, a complimentary BBQ cookout and information from non-profit organizations.

Editor’s note: The images for the Passport to Freedom are from the New Britain Museum of American Art.

New Britain Progressive, a publication of New Britain Independent Newspaper, Inc. is free to read and community supported. http://newbritainprogressive.com Please feel free to help the New Britain Progressive with a donation and you are invited to purchase advertisements in the New Britain Progressive.