Friday is Juneteenth, the national holiday commemorating June 19, 1865 — the day Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. It marks the time when the last enslaved people in the United States got their freedom and is celebrated as a federal holiday to honor freedom, African American resilience, and the end of chattel slavery, according to Britannica.com. See how some of our fave Hamptons haunts are celebrating Juneteenth.
Eastville Community Historical Society, along with Chara’s Kitchen and Catering, present “Juneteenth Jubilee,” with the third annual White Party and Awards Ceremony at Guild Hall (158 Main St., East Hampton, 631-324-0806) this Friday, June 19, beginning at 6 p.m. Sure to be a night of good food and festivities, the theme of the evening is conveying community through culture while commemorating the unfinished revolution Live music will be provided by Somethin’ Fresh with an after party featuring beats from DJ Infamatik. Featuring keynote speaker, the Honorable Fred Thiele, other community honorees include the Montauk Library, Christ Episcopal Church, League of Women Voters of the Hamptons, Watermill Center, Suffolk County Historical Museum, Sag Harbor Whaling Museum, Peconic Land Trust, Village of Sag Harbor, Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce, and the Southampton Arts and Culture Committee. Attendees are encouraged to wear their finest white attire, with tickets available online here.
Dr. Georgette Grier-Key (right) will be on hand at the third annual Juneteenth Jubilee set for Friday at Guild hall in east hampton. (Photo credit: Phil Merritt)
The Southampton Playhouse partners with the Southampton African American Museum this Wednesday, June 17 for a community screening of “Daughters of the Dust” beginning at 7:15 p.m. Directed by Julie Dash, the groundbreaking film is the first to be directed by an African American woman to receive a theatrical release in the United States. Actress Amandla Stenberg will give an introduction, while a special conversation with Dr. Georgette Grier-Key will follows the screening. Film will be shown at the Playhouse, located at 43 Hill Street. Tickets are available here.
Riverhead’s Butterfly Effect Project hosts “Juneteenth: A Celebration of Community” this Friday, June 19, from noon to 3 p.m. at its new location, 1146 Main Road. Sure to be a day of culture, connection and celebration the event features dancing from both the Butterfly Effect Project and Our Fabulous Variety Show performers as well as over two dozen vendors, community games and fun for the whole family. Admission and activities are free for everyone. Bring your lawn chairs, your family and your best sense of community spirit.
Journalist, TV host and author Tiffany D. Cross will be at the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center (551 Sag Harbor Turnpike) this Saturday, June 20, from 3 to 6 p.m, for the second annual “Center Literacy Nook.” Cross will be on hand to discuss her latest book, “Love Me: A Letter to Black Women in a Toxic Country, Career and Relationship.” Set to be an uplifting afternoon of conversations, book signings, literary discussions, African art and cultural memorabilia displays and opportunities to connect with fellow readers, writers, educators and creatives, admission includes a complimentary copy of the book. Light refreshments will be served. Tickets are $30 per person.
