Juneteenth at Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters

2023 Juneteenth Gathering

Annual Juneteenth Gathering: Sunday June 16, 2024

Gather for Juneteenth to honor those who endured slavery and seized freedom on Brattle Street before the American Revolution, their living descendants, and the long history of Black freedom activism in Cambridge and beyond. This free, all-ages event will feature a community gathering with speeches by living descendants, Juneteenth # Pop-Up Poetry, A Denise Plays Hard Event; music, historical displays, family activities, and refreshments.

Event Details

12:30-12:50 PM Welcome, descendant speakers
12:50-2:00 PM Juneteenth # Pop-Up Poetry, A Denise Plays Hard Event, including:

• Drum procession with Chibuzo Dunun
• Libation + Lift Every Voice and Sing
• Music + poetry, Denise Washington & Akili Jamal Haynes

2:00-3:00 PM
Interactive history and family activities
Catered refreshments
Partner/resource tables
Juneteenth StoryWalk

---

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.

Presented in partnership with the Descendants of Tony and Cuba Vassall, History Cambridge, the Museum of African American History, Royall House and Slave Quarters, Slave Legacy History Coalition, First Church Cambridge, Christ Church Cambridge, and the Cambridge Historical Commission.

Duration:

2 minutes, 19 seconds

Remarks by Roberta Wolff-Platt, descendant of Tony and Cuba Vassall, written in conjunction with the 2023 Juneteenth Gathering.

Duration:

2 minutes, 12 seconds

Galadriel Ferguson, a descendant of Tony and Cuba Vassall, reads her original poem, "Freedom."