By Day Kim
The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston hosted a Juneteenth celebration, attracting large crowds eager to participate in a day filled with artistic activities and cultural education.
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
Families, artists, and community members participated in various crafting activities, including a workshop to create their own patterns using torn pieces of paper in different colors and designs.
The sweltering weather did not deter attendees from standing in long lines outside the museum.
Maria Johnson, a mother who brought her two young children, said she appreciates how the event allows her to teach her kids about “ some important aspects of American history in an engaging way.”
“The various activities make it enjoyable and educational for them,” she said. “It’s not just about learning history, but also celebrating it through art.”
Children gathered around the face painting station, and participants chose from various Juneteenth-themed illustrations at the coloring station.
Jada Smith, who was in charge of the face painting section at the Juneteenth event, said she enjoyed interacting with young children.
“This is actually my first time doing this activity for Juneteenth,” she said. “It was a great experience to engage with kids while doing something I love.”
Donna Harris, another attendee, said the event was fun.
“It’s great to see so many people here, learning and having fun together,” she said. “The heat is tough, but being part of such a significant occasion is worth it.”
In addition to the art activities, the Museum of Fine Arts offered educational resources and information about Juneteenth, and volunteers and staff were on hand to answer questions and provide insight.
As part of the broader Juneteenth celebrations in Boston, the city hosted various events from June 17 to June 19. These included free museum admissions, parades, performances, lectures, and more.
Other Juneteenth events around the area included included live jazz performances at the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston and free water taxi rides to the Watershed location, the Embrace Ideas Festival, the Juneteenth Free Day at the Gardner Museum, and community-focused activities such as the Juneteenth Block Party in Brookline and the 14th Annual Boston Juneteenth Emancipation Observance.
For more information about Juneteenth events in Boston, visit the Boston Calendar website at https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/9-juneteenth-events-in-boston-this-week.
