Juneteenth at Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters

2024 Juneteenth Gathering

Reginald Gordon

Annual Juneteenth Gathering: Sunday June 14, 2026

Darby Vassall, who was enslaved at birth in this house but lived most of his life in freedom, signed this petition in 1812 in support of public education access for Black student in Boston.

Gather for Juneteenth to honor those who endured slavery and seized freedom on Brattle Street 250 years ago, their descendants, and the long history of Black freedom activism in Cambridge and beyond.

This free, all-ages event is marking its fifth year in 2025! Denise Washington (#Pop-Up Poetry Series), a descendant of Darby Vassall, has curated the Juneteenth Gathering at Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters NHS each year. Join us for the Juneteenth Gathering, A Denise Plays Hard Event, featuring poetry, music, historical displays, family activities, and refreshments. All are welcome!

Event Details

4:00-5:00 pm Gathering

Music by DJ Steve Gousby, activities, StoryWalk, and community partner activities (54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Company A, Boston African American National Historic Site, Cambridge Black History Project, Cambridge Historical Commission, Christ Church Cambridge, History Cambridge, Kings Chapel, Minuteman National Historical Park)

Light refreshments served

5:00-7:00 pm Juneteenth # Pop-Up Poetry, A Denise Plays Hard Event

Opening Remarks & Prayer Rev. Dr. Brandon Thomas Crowley, PhD

Words of Welcome Emily Levine (Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters NHS)

Anastassia Curry (Descendant of Darby Vassall)

Carla D. Martin, PhD (Co-Author, Black History at the Vassall Estate)

Enslaved African Written by Denise Washington, accompanied by The #Pop-Up Poetry Ensemble

Drum Call

Drum Processional Chibuzo Dunun (Akili Jamal Haynes, Sidi Mohamed “Joh” Camara, Sory Diabate, Sebastien Duvilaire, and Joseph Eli Jean)
Follow Pape Ndiaye

Libation Babaláwo Tony Menelik Van Der Meer, PhD

The Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” Led by Hon. Judge Milton Wright

Remarks Edmund Barry Gaither (Emeritus Director and Curator, Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists)

Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation Jumaada A-K. Henry Smith, J.D.

Reading of 13th Amendment Chris Everett

Reading of General Orders No. 3 Anthony Thompson (Descendant of Darby Vassall)

Denise Washington & The #Pop-Up Poetry Ensemble Akili Jamal Haynes, Lenny Bradford, Stephen O’Neal, Kavayah Wright

Closing Remarks & Prayer Rev. Dr. Brandon Thomas Crowley, PhD

DJ Steve Gousby

---

Click here to learn more about Cuba, Dinah, Malcolm, William, and three children: James and two “small boys” whose names are currently unknown. These seven people were enslaved by John Vassall at 105 Brattle Street in Cambridge prior to the American Revolution, seized their freedom, and built a legacy of activism.

Duration:

6 minutes, 18 seconds

A family rediscovers the stories of their enslaved ancestors as they explore and reflect at three sites in Boston: Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site, Royall House & Slave Quarters, and Christ Church Cambridge.