Ancestral Bridges supports and builds programs that celebrate BIPOC arts, history, and culture in western Massachusetts. We also partner with local communities to create educational and economic opportunities so that BIPOC and disadvantaged youth can thrive.

3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration

UPDATED PROGRAM AND ROUTE DUE TO BAD WEATHER FORECAST!

On Saturday, June 17, from 10AM until 4:30PM, the Ancestral Bridges Foundation will present the “3rd Annual Juneteenth Legacy Celebration”. Starting with a commemorative indoor event in the historic Amherst Woman’s Club featuring Civil War reenactors, and ending with a performative talk at Hope Community Church, the local Juneteenth celebration will welcome community members and out of town visitors to participate in learning about the many historic contributions of Amherst’s Black residents, from the Civil War to today.

The day-long event will begin with a speaking program in Amherst Woman’s Club, after which participants will be invited to two other programmed stops in downtown Amherst.

Details for those who wish to attend are as follows:

  • 10:00 AM: Previous programming at West Cemetery and Emily Dickinson Museum have now been moved to Amherst Woman’s Club. Highlights will include the unveiling of new street signs to formally recognize the Westside National Historic District where many Black families lived; reenactments by the Peter Brace 54th Regiment; and music by the Amherst Gospel Choir. Free homestead tours of the Emily Dickinson Museum are still being offered after the opening event; pre-registration is required at https://bit.ly/EmilyDickinsonJuneteenth
  • 1:00 PM: The day’s programming will continue at The Drake on N. Pleasant Street, where the Amherst Business Improvement District and The Jones Library Summer Reading Series will present a family-friendly children’s performance by Grammy nominated Divinity Roxx. Roxx is well-known as an opening act for Beyoncé and for her 2021 album “Ready, Set, Go!” 
  • 3:00 PM: Final program featuring Dr. Shirley Jackson Whitaker at Hope Community Church.

All are welcome to attend this free community event. Transportation will be provided for those who need it; a special transport bus will pick up passengers at Amherst Regional High School, 21 Mattoon Street at 9:30 AM.