PROGRAM OF EVENTS Juneteenth Jubilee
MARTHA’S VINEYARD
JUNE 18-22, 2025
Juneteenth Jubilee
A publication of the Vineyard Gazette Media Group
Publisher
Monica Brady-Myerov
Production Director
McKinley Sanders
Ad Production
Jared Maciel, Jane McTeigue, McKinley Sanders
Advertising Director Frederica Carpenter
Advertising Sales Team
Carrie Blair, Isabela Fernandez, Serena Ward
Marketing Manager
Tresa Lovio-Slattery
Events Manager
Kharma Finley-Wallace
General Manager Sarah Gifford
The Martha’s Vineyard Juneteenth Jubilee insert is published by the Vineyard Gazette Media Group, P.O. Box 66, Edgartown, MA 02539, vineyardgazette. com, and is distributed free on Martha’s Vineyard. Copyright 2025. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without the express written permission of the publisher. Every effort has been made to confirm the accuracy of the information in this publication, and the data is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. For advertising and editorial inquiries, contact publisher@vineyardgazette.com.
After a Juneteenth service at Union Chapel, the congregation walks to the sea.
Since Juneteenth became a nationally recognized holiday in 2021, Martha’s Vineyard has been celebrating with a variety of events, and the Vineyard Gazette Media Group is proud to be a part of another Juneteenth National Independence Day.
This is our fourth year helping Vineyarders and visitors celebrate Juneteenth on the Island with our Juneteenth Jubilee Program Guide. The guide is your source for events happening on Martha’s Vineyard around Juneteenth. A few highlights include a panel on Thursday that examines the legacy and future of the Juneteenth holiday, put on by the Vineyard Gazette Media Group and Martha’s Vineyard Museum. The discussion will look at the history of the holiday as well as the current day fight for equality and freedom.
On Friday, The African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard will dedicate a new historic spot, the Dragonfly House, in Oak Bluffs. On Saturday, celebrating its fifth year, the Juneteenth Jubilee Festival at Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs brings discussion, music, and joyous cultural celebration throughout the weekend. Sunday, think about attending a Juneteenth service at Union Chapel with a special service with Rev. Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. Then consider attending the third annual Vineyard Gazette Media Group’s Juneteenth Gospel Brunch at the Edgartown Yacht Club for some soulful music by Allie & Paryss and delicious food. However you spend time celebrating the Jubilee, we’re glad you’re here.
The Vineyard Gazette Media Group is grateful to the many organizations making this jubilee so special, including our sponsors Cape Cod 5, Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, the Mass Cultural Council, and visitma.com.
Funded, in part, by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.
Jeanna Shepard
A History of Juneteenth Juneteenth
JANUARY 1, 1863 : President Abraham Lincoln signs the Emancipation Proclamation.
APRIL 9, 1865 : Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrenders to U.S. General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.
APRIL 14, 1865 : President Lincoln is shot at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. and dies nine hours later on April 15.
JUNE 19, 1865 : Major General Gordon Granger arrives in Galveston, Texas, and issues order that all slaves are free.
DECEMBER 6, 1865 : The 13th Amendment abolishing slavery is ratified.
JUNE 19, 1866 : The first official Juneteenth celebrations take place in Galveston, Texas.
AUGUST 20, 1866 : President Andrew Johnson issues a proclamation announcing the end of the American Civil War.
JULY 10, 1872 : In Houston, Texas, a 10-acre lot that would become known as Emancipation Park is purchased by a group of Black community leaders for the celebration of Juneteenth.
1900 s -1930 s : Juneteenth celebrations began to decline in the early 1900s as a result of the Great Depression and Jim Crow laws.
1950 s -1960 s : Juneteenth celebrations gain momentum during the Civil Rights Movement.
JUNE 19, 1968 : A group of Vineyarders travel to Washington, D.C. to join the Poor People’s March.
JANUARY 1, 1980 : Texas becomes the first state to recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday.
JULY 5-6, 1996 : Juneteenth is celebrated at the Oak Bluffs School and Inkwell Beach over the Fourth of July weekend, organized by Bob and Michele Holland.
JUNE 19, 2004 : Juneteenth celebration at Lola’s Restaurant (now Nomans) in Oak Bluffs benefits The Martha's Vineyard African American Heritage Trail.
JUNE 19, 2006 : Martha’s Vineyard's chapter of the NAACP and local radio station WMVY sponsor a Juneteenth celebration.
JUNE 19, 2007 : Governor Deval Patrick signs proclamation recognizing Juneteenth in Massachusetts, becoming the 25th state to do so.
JUNE 14, 2008 : The Martha’s Vineyard NAACP and the Island Diversity Council host a Juneteenth party at the Oak Bluffs school.
JUNE 19, 2010 : Juneteenth is celebrated at Deon’s Restaurant in Oak Bluffs.
JUNE 11, 2011 : Juneteenth is celebrated at the Vineyard Haven Senior Center.
JUNE 19, 2020 : Hundreds of Vineyarders participate in a march for racial justice and equality, organized in honor of Juneteenth.
JULY 24, 2020 : Governor Charlie Baker signs law recognizing Juneteenth as an official state holiday.
JUNE 17, 2021 : President Joe Biden signs a bill designating Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
JUNE 19, 2021 : Juneteenth is celebrated at the Narragansett House in Oak Bluffs.
JUNE 17-19, 2022 : Island businesses and nonprofit organizations including the Vineyard Gazette, join forces to celebrate Juneteenth Jubilee on Martha’s Vineyard. Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones speaks at The Tabernacle for the Juneteenth Jubilee Cultural Festival. A Juneteenth Gospel brunch is sponsored by the Vineyard Gazette.
JUNE 16-19, 2023 : The schooner Amistad, a replica of the historic ship that became famous after a group of enslaved Africans led a successful revolt, sails to the Vineyard for free tours. The event is organized by the Vineyard Gazette. Other events include special services at Union Chapel and the Taste of Juneteenth, put on by the MV Chapter of the NAACP.
JUNE 18-23, 2024 : The Island celebrates Juneteenth Jubilee on Martha’s Vineyard with forums, panels, and exhibits, including a talk by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. Martha’s Vineyard Museum hosts an exhibit and talks about the maritime underground railroad and the Island’s role in helping to free enslaved people. Food is the focus at the Gospel Brunch and the Taste of Juneteenth.
From the exhibition: "Hiding at Sea: Escape to the North did not guarantee safety, there was always the looming risk of capture and re-enslavement. Some men took to the sea to hide themselves away, enlisting on whaling voyages, which often lasted several years. Difficult and dangerous, seafaring may have been unappealing to many white men, but it was 'an occupation of opportunity for slaves and recent freemen.' The whaling industry was dominated by anti-slavery Quakers and life on a whaling ship offered more freedoms and opportunities than were available on land, with pay based on skill rather than skin color."
From the Sailing to Freedom exhibit at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, June 2024.
Background photo by Jeanna Shepard of Sperm WhalingStove Boat #1, c. 1835. Artist once known, image courtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
Savor the Moment
Della Hardman Day 2025 20th Anniversary celebration!
Islanders & visitors are invited to celebrate the life and spirit of Della Hardman, PhD, designated by the Town of Oak Bluffs in honor of the life and spirit of Dellaartist, author, scholar, professor, traveler and writer.
Event will be hosted by Martha’s Vineyard Museum and is open to the public.
July 26, 2025 Ocean Park, 4pm
Visit us on Facebook DellaHardmanDay2025
See you in July!
NAACP: A LEGACY OF STRENGTH, A FUTURE OF JUSTICE FOR ALL!
4TH ANNUAL
SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2025 | 2-5 PM | OAK BLUFFS AT THE PORTUGUESE AMERICAN CLUB
JOIN US IN HONORING BLACK CULTURE, CUISINE, AND LIBERATION!
FEATURING CUISINES FROM LOCAL AFRICAN AMERICAN CHEFS, AND INCLUDING A DOCUMENTARY AND A KEYNOTE SPEAKER.
ALL PROCEEDS TO THE MV NAACP SCHOLARSHIP FUND.
Wednesday, June 18
JUNETEENTH MOVIE NIGHT | 5-7 PM
Oak Bluffs Public Library, 56R School Street, Oak Bluffs
Join us to watch a 2016 film about three female African American mathematicians who provided crucial calculations for NASA's space race against the Soviets, all while dealing with the racist and sexist assumptions of their white co-workers. We'll have tables and comfortable chairs set up in our meeting room – feel free to bring your dinner! Note that this is an after-hours program. Entry after 5 p.m. will only be available through the meeting room doors on the parking lot side. 127 minutes, Rated PG, Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kirsten Dunst, and Jim Parsons.
Presented by the Oak Bluffs Public Library
Thursday, June 19
JUNETEANTH CELEBRATION | 1-3 PM
Location released with ticket
Reconnect and usher in summer. JuneTeaNth MV is a Reconstruction Era inspired tea, a summer halcyon rejuvenation with style. Well comported ladies and gents, big and small, are welcome. Proper attire: Dandyism. Adult tickets: $35; children 10 and under: $10. Contact Linda D. Gaines for tickets: oakbluf@gmail.com or 513-659-0788.
Presented by Linda Gaines
JUNETEENTH FAMILY CELEBRATION AT THE INKWELL | 3-6 PM
Inkwell Beach
A celebration of Juneteenth at the Inkwell Beach with kayaking from Island Spirit Kayak, fun and games by The Lazy Frog, and music by Rick Bausman and the MiloKhan drummers. Free and open to all.
Presented by Enchanted Chocolates
JUNETEENTH JUBILEE CULTURAL FESTIVAL - AUTHOR DISCUSSION & BOOK SIGNING: BLACK POWER SCORECARD: MEASURING THE RACIAL GAP AND WHAT WE CAN DO TO CLOSE IT | 4-5 PM Jubilee, 42 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs
Author: Dr. Andre Perry, economist at The Brookings Institution. Free and open to all.
Presented by Jubilee Charitable Corporation
VINEYARD GAZETTE PANEL DISCUSSION: THE LEGACY AND FUTURE OF THE JUNETEENTH HOLIDAY | 5-6 PM Martha’s Vineyard Museum, 151 Lagoon Road, Vineyard Haven
A panel conversation convened by the Vineyard Gazette at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum looking at Juneteenth: Legacy and Promise.
What is the history and future of the Juneteenth holiday? Panelists: Dani Monroe, M.S.O.D., president, CenterFocus International, Inc., founder, MV Chief Diversity Officer Summit and Bow Van Riper, MV Museum's research librarian. Moderator: Keija Minor, former editor in chief of Brides at Condé Nast and chief operating officer at Ebony Media Group. Tickets: $35
Presented by Vineyard Gazette Media Group
OPEN HEARTS – A JUNETEENTH ART CELEBRATION | 6-9 PM, June 19-21
MV Salads, 55 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs
MV Salads is proud to present Open Hearts – A Juneteenth Art Celebration, a three-evening arts event honoring Juneteenth through creativity, community, and culture. The celebration will feature four-time Emmy Award–winner and two-time Webby Award–winner Emmai Alaquiva and his powerful Trilogy Mixed Media Art exhibit, along with live performances, and a miniature fashion show by local artist Sharisse Scott-Rawlins.
This free event invites all to come together, celebrate freedom, and experience the transformative power of art.
Presented by MV Salads
Friday, June 20
JUNETEENTH CRAFT | 10:30 AM-4 PM
Oak Bluffs Public Library, 56R School Street, Oak Bluffs
Drop-in for a Juneteenth craft program anytime from 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Free and open to all.
Presented by the Oak Bluffs Public Library
HISTORIC DRAGONFLY HOUSE MVAAHT DEDICATION | 12-2 PM
115 Seaview Avenue, Oak Bluffs
We welcome the historic Dragonfly House, located at 115 Seaview avenue, Oak Bluffs, as site #41 on The African American Heritage Trail of Martha's Vineyard. Dedication at 12 p.m.
Free and open to all.
Presented by the African American Heritage Trail of Martha's Vineyard
JUNETEENTH JUBILEE CULTURAL FESTIVAL - THE FUTURIST SERIES: REMEMBERING & BUILDING BLACK WALL STREET | 12-4 PM
Union Chapel, 55 Narragansett Avenue, Oak Bluffs
Focused conversations with international and nationally leading historians, economists, entrepreneurs, and financial services leaders on closing the opportunity gaps.
Inaugural launch of The Futurist a series of conversations with leaders looking to close economic opportunity gaps and build wealth equity for all Americans. Free and open to all.
Presented by Jubilee Charitable Corporation
Saturday, June 21
JUNETEENTH JUBILEE CULTURAL FESTIVAL - JUBILEE FESTIVAL | 12-4 PM
Union Chapel, 55 Narragansett Avenue, Oak Bluffs
Fifth anniversary community celebration of music, trailblazing speakers, and artistic presentations. Free and open to all.
Presented by Jubilee Charitable Corporation
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION & LIVE MUSIC | 1-3 PM
Lawn of the Edgartown Public Library, 6 Edgartown-West Tisbury Road, Edgartown
Join the Edgartown Public Library for our third annual Juneteenth celebration on the library lawn. Chef Look will be cooking on the grill, serving up a family-style lunch accompanied by live music from Andrew Sue Wing, a Boston-based singersongwriter and guitarist specializing in R&B.
This a family-friendly event and is free and open to the public.
This event is generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library
Sunday, June 22
UNION CHAPEL SPECIAL SUNDAY SERVICE WITH REV. DR. MICHAEL ERIC DYSON | 10-11 AM
Union Chapel, 55 Narragansett Avenue, Oak Bluffs
While Union Chapel Sunday Service does not officially begin for the season until July, in celebration of Juneteenth Jubilee weekend, the church will open doors for this service. Free and open to all.
Presented by Union Chapel and Jubilee Charitable Corporation
JUNETEENTH GOSPEL BRUNCH | 12-2 PM
Edgartown Yacht Club, 1 Dock Street, Edgartown
The annual Juneteenth Gospel Brunch will feature a live gospel performance by musical duo Allie & Paryss. Opening prayer with Rev. Dr. Deborah Finley Jackson and brunch overlooking Edgartown Harbor. Tickets: $125.
Presented by Vineyard Gazette Media Group
4TH ANNUAL TASTE OF JUNETEENTH | 2-5 PM
Portuguese American Club, 137 Vineyard Avenue, Oak Bluffs
Join us in honoring Black Culture, Cuisine, and Liberation Traditional African American Cuisine. Program not to be missed! Tickets: $75. Proceeds benefit the MV NAACP Scholarship Fund.
Presented by NAACP of Martha’s Vineyard
For an up-to-date list of all events, visit vineyardgazette.com/Juneteenth
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE TRAIL OF MARTHA’S VINEYARD
A Massachusetts Nonprofit Educational Foundation
Preserving the legacy, saving the history, educating, building community, honoring the stories.
WALK WITH US, LEARN WITH US, AND LET THE STORIES RISE! Book Tours at mvafricanamericanheritagetrail.org
and welcoming the historic DRAGONFLY HOUSE
115 Seaview Avenue, Oak Bluffs as site #41 on the African American Heritage Trail FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2025 from 12 noon to 2 p.m.
Dedication at 12 noon
mvafricanamericanheritagetrail.org - email: lightingthetrail@gmail.com - 508 693 4361 Instagram:mvafricanamericantrail - Facebook: African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard
