Juneteenth Celebration 2025!

Celebrate Juneteenth in Pittsfield!

The NAACP Berkshire County Branch invites all to its annual Juneteenth Celebration, which honors the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrates Black freedom, culture, and community.

The day begins at Pittsfield City Hall with the raising of the Juneteenth Flag and proclamations read by Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti and a special guest from the Massachusetts 54th Regiment Reenactment Unit.

Following the ceremony, a Freedom Walk procession will lead participants to Durant Park in Pittsfield’s historic Black West Side. There, a nondenominational Community Worship Service will open the day-long festival.

Following will be an unveiling of the design for the new Massachusetts 54th Regiment mural, by sponsors Dr. Dennis Powell, President of NAACP, Berkshire County Branch, Dr. Shirley Edgerton, President and Founder of Rites of Passage and Empowerment Program (ROPE), and Tony Jackson, President of West Side Legends. (The mural will be installed at Durant Park later in the year.)

During the unveiling ceremony, the names of local men who served in the 54th will be recognized in a commemorative reading. Children can take part in hands-on learning through a coloring book that highlights the story of the 54th Regiment and Berkshire soldiers, including Rev. Samuel Harrison, a Black abolitionist and chaplain from New England.

The celebration also includes:
- Reading of the Juneteenth Proclamations
- Student scholarship presentations


Entertainment Highlights:

🎤 Sample the Cat, a local favorite blending soul, rock, and jazz

💃🕺 Sekou McMiller & Friends, featuring interactive Afro-Latin dance with Jacob's Pillow

💃🕺 Uprising Dance Theatre, led by Noel Staples-Freeman, an ensemble celebrating the African Diaspora

🎧 DJ YoungChamp (David Dias), spinning music throughout the day

Guest speaker Joshua Tandoh, a Pittsfield High School junior and youth Juneteenth organizer

High school student stipend ceremony

🏀 A 5-on-5 Basketball Tournament Fundraiser with Jerome Edgerton

Vendor booths, food trucks, and community partner tables


Families will enjoy:
Story Time! With a children’s book giveaway (while supplies last), including a coloring book about the 54th Regiment, face painting, games, crafts, and a bounce house.

We're hosting special treats again this year, with free ice cream from Cravin's Ice Cream will be available for the first 200 children sponsored by Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, (come get your free ice cream ticket at the NAACP table - one ticket will be available per child), and a free lunch will be provided to all fathers in attendance, sponsored by the NAACP, Berkshire County Branch.

📅 Date: June 19
📍 Location: Durant Park, Pittsfield
🎉 Admission: Free and open to all!

Accessibility:
Durant Park is wheelchair accessible and flat-level. Please note that there will be amplified music throughout the day and limited shaded seating available under a tent. June weather is typically hot and sunny, so we encourage guests to bring sun protection and stay hydrated.

What is Juneteenth? ✊🏾
Juneteenth, also known as Black Independence Day, is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually since 1865 and also honors African-American culture and history.

👉 For updates and performance details, visit our website naacpberkshires.org or email us with questions at bmFhY3BiZXJrc2hpcmVjb3VudHkgfCBnbWFpbCAhIGNvbQ==

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