Image Credit: Yoli Bergstrom-Lynch

Join MCC's Raymond F. Damato Library in celebrating Juneteenth, also known as Jubilee Day, by exploring this mini collection of books, audiobooks, films, music, and state-wide events commemorating Black freedom from enslavement. Learn more about the history and significance of Juneteenth from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture's Google Arts and Culture site titled, “The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth.”  Our collection includes books you can borrow from the Damato Library and from the libraries in the CSCU consortium (i.e., the 12 Community Colleges, 4 Connecticut State Universities, and the CT State Library).

In honor of Black Music Month, we have included a special Juneteenth Spotify playlist curated by the Damato Library. Be sure to check it out! This virtual collection ends with a hyperlinked list of local Juneteenth celebrations. You can also commemorate Jubilee Day by visiting local Black Heritage Trails and supporting Connecticut-based Black-owned businesses via ShopBlackCT.

Guide Curator:

    Yoli Bergstrom-Lynch -- Research & Instruction Librarian

Manchester Juneteenth Mini Collection © 2023 by Yoli Bergstrom-Lynch is licensed under CC BY 4.0 

3rd Annual Danbury Juneteenth Celebration

June 15th, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Free

This free outdoor family event will be held Western Connecticut State University (WCSU), Midtown Campus.  The preliminary schedule of activities include: All day music, live performances, food trucks, an art exhibit, Juneteenth walking tour, kids corner, vendors, wellness exhibits, informational tables, and more.

Juneteenth Community Celebration

June 15th, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Free

East Hartford, CT – The Town of East Hartford in collaboration with East Hartford Public Library, East Hartford Parks and Recreation, the Committee on Culture and Fine Arts and the East Hartford Black Caucus invite you to attend the town’s third annual Juneteenth Celebration.

Location: East Hartford Town Green, 1047 Main Street

Juneteenth Festival 2024

June 15th, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Free

Our annual Juneteenth Festival 2024 is fast approaching. More information on fun and exciting happenings coming soon.  See you on the Town Green.

Location: Enfield Town Green, 81-199 N Main St, Enfield, CT, 06082

Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration

June 16th, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Free

For this event, the goal is to elevate, empower and entertain. Elevation – We will highlight and promote local small businesses and entrepreneurs. We will provide the opportunity vend and sell their goods and crafts with the community free of cost. Empowerment – This year’s event will feature empowerment zones that provide resources and information centered around 5 key areas for community economic development and the building of generational wealth.

Location: Bushnell Park, Downtown Hartford, CT 06103

Jubilee 2024

June 15th, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM | $20-90

A Jubilee experience provides entertainment, community recognition and support for black owned businesses throughout the Tristate. Jubilee offers a fun interactive space for networking, cultural expression, delicious ethnic cuisine and beverages for the evening. This event is jam packed featuring 2 DJ’s, a live band, VIP sections, small business vendors, a small awards presentation for our “Freedom Fighter Award Recipients”, and a host of other activities. Proceeds from this event will benefit The Terrell Campbell Memorial Scholarship and community enrichment programs.

Location: The Russell Restaurant 187 Allyn Street Hartford, CT 06103

Juneteenth Freedom Day Commemoration

June 22nd, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Free

Join the Town of Manchester & its community partners for their 4th annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Commemoration.

Location: 153 & 163 Spruce Street Cedar Street, Manchester CT

Access for All Community Day | Juneteenth

June 15th, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Free

Join us for this day-long event, featuring artistic performances, music, in-gallery experiences, and of course artmaking. Shop from local Black-owned businesses, support independent artists, and grab a bite from regional food trucks. Pre-register now

Location: More information forthcoming

Juneteenth Festival | Campfire Discussion

June 7th, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM | Free

Gather around the campfire for a community conversation on the grounds of the Hempsted Houses to commemorate historic and present-day struggles toward freedom and hear more about the work of Joseph McGill of the Slave Dwelling Project. Registration appreciated, but walk-ups always welcome! Register now

Location: Hempsted Houses, 11 Hempstead Street, New London, CT 06320  

Juneteenth Festival | Community Celebration

June 8th, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Free

Join Connecticut Landmarks for a Juneteenth celebration with the City of New London, highlighting the African American history of the Hempsted Houses and the surrounding New London neighborhood, with partners.

The celebration will feature music, dance, performances, a Witness Stone installation, and a dash of history, with activities and crafts for children. Speakers include Joseph McGill of the Slave Dwelling Project, Tammy Denease of the Connecticut Freedom Trail, and artist Jazzmen Lee-Johnson. Register now

Location: Hempsted Houses, 11 Hempstead Street, New London, CT 06320  

5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration

June 15th, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Free

Building Legacy And Community is proud to host the 5-year anniversary of our Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Waterbury, CT, celebrating culture and freedom. This vibrant event honors the historical significance of Juneteenth, marking the liberation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Join us for a day filled with live performances, cultural workshops, delicious food, art exhibits, and community engagement activities. Embrace the spirit of unity, heritage, and empowerment as we commemorate this important milestone together.

Location: Library Park, 267 Grand Street, Waterbury, CT 06702,Waterbury,CT,United States

West Hartford Juneteenth Celebration

June 15th, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Free

Juneteenth is the day that marks the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates African American freedom, achievement, and contribution.  Now in its forth year, West Hartford’s celebration is a vibrant showcase of culture, resilience, and unity.

Location: West Hartford Town Hall (in West Hartford Center), 50 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT

West Haven Juneteenth Celebration

June 8th, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Free

Join the city of West Haven for a Juneteenth celebration! Learn about the history behind Juneteenth and celebrate with residents and local officials. This free event will feature local vendors, music, food and a talent showcase.

Location: Brent Watt park, 24 Tile Street, West Haven, CT 06516