Northampton Juneteenth Celebration set for June 6

NORTHAMPTON — The Northampton Juneteenth Festival is returning to the EJ Gare Plaza on Saturday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in another year of the vital community gathering dedicated to honoring Black liberation and excellence.

By centering Black artists, business owners and community leaders, the festival day establishes a space for joy, education and connection that is free and open to all.

Northampton Arts Council Executive Director Brian Foote told Reminder Publishing that he and the department are “incredibly proud” to support this event. While the festival features artists and performers throughout the day, it also serves as a platform for economic empowerment and cultural visibility.

“What makes this celebration truly distinct and vital is that its vision was born directly from young Black leaders in our community. When Kendal S. Mangum, a 12th grader at Northampton High School and Chair of the Juneteenth Planning Committee, approached us about supporting an inaugural, dedicated Juneteenth celebration in the city, we didn’t hesitate,” said Foote.

In tandem with the live performers will be a marketplace where dozens of Black-owned businesses and makers will be on-site as vendors, including community partner Positively Africana by Aimee, offering authentic African gifts and cultural items. The mission-driven destination for wellness and cultural education will be giving 25% of all profits toward supporting women entrepreneurs in the Congo.

Co-organized by the Northampton Youth Commission, the festival fosters civic engagement and leadership among the next generation of local residents.

“Co-organizing this alongside the Northampton Youth Commission and community partners has been a masterclass in youth leadership. Establishing a dedicated space for Juneteenth in downtown Northampton is critical because it moves beyond standard historical acknowledgement. It carves out a permanent, visible space centered on Black liberation, diaspora history and collective joy right here in the Valley,” added Foote.

In addition to the day’s programming, Provisions will join the festival to host a curated hospitality station, offering a selection of their signature specialty items and refreshments for attendees to enjoy.

On the artists and performers side, the celebrations will be hosted by DJ Trends providing the soundtrack and energy for the festival throughout the entire day. Attendees will also hear from award-winning singer-songwriter and activist Pamela Means, the soulful folk-soul fusion vocals of Kimaya Diggs, and renowned jazz saxophonist and storyteller Mtali Banda.

Visual Art and Installations will also be on site, featuring visual artist Chelvanaya Gabriel whose work explores identity and resilience. Additionally, local powerhouse and community advocate Edwina Polanco will present a custom, site-specific visual art installation that beautifully weaves social justice themes into the Valley arts scene.

“This isn’t just a performance festival, it’s a platform for economic empowerment. Juneteenth commemorates the historical transition of enslaved people entering the diaspora as free individuals who had to build new lives, economies and legacies from the ground up,” said Foote. “Tying financial equity to this holiday is essential. Through the Marketplace, we are thrilled to feature Positively Africana by Aimee — located right on Main Street — as a primary community partner. They’ll be offering authentic African textiles, handcrafted jewelry, Kitenge clothing and accessories.

Because they dedicate 25% of their profits to supporting women entrepreneurs in the Congo, supporting the marketplace directly impacts global and local Black economic equity. For Northampton, making these concrete efforts means transitioning from passive allies to active participants in building an equitable local economy.”

The event is free to the public and is supported in part by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council, the Northampton Economic Development Department, the Arts Council, Positively Africana by Aimee, Provisions and ValleyCreates. For more information or questions on this year’s Juneteenth Festival, contact the Arts and Culture Department by emailing arts@northamptonma.gov.

Foote added it was important to ensure there were zero economic barriers to entry and is looking forward to seeing the public come out in support of the celebration.

“For the community, hosting this at E.J. Gare Plaza means creating a space that isn’t about filling a perceived ‘gap,’ but rather establishing an entirely new, joyous tradition. True progress requires lifting up new, younger voices. When the city invests in youth-led organizing, we get an event that is authentic, courageous and deeply rooted,” said Foote. “It’s an invitation for the entire community to come together, support local Black-owned businesses, learn, and experience a profound sense of shared community and Black joy.”