Special In-Person Events
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of ending slavery in the United States. Juneteenth is the celebration of the day when all enslaved individuals became aware of their freedom. Though the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863, it took two and a half years for enslaved people in the state of Texas to be told of their freedom.
This year, Keene and the Monadnock region are celebrating Juneteenth from Friday, June 14, through Wednesday, June 19th. Join us as we celebrate freedom! Join us for the opening of The Freedom Trail, two film screenings, a reading by award-winning children's book author Lesa Cline-Ransome, a special performance by Nashville-based singer/songwriter Crys Mattews, a delicious community supper, and a celebration at Central Square!
The Freedom Trail Opens June 13th at Noon! Take a walk through history to learn about important historical events that have shaped the ongoing freedom journey of Black Americans. The trail will remain open at the Y and in the window fronts of supporting retailers on Main Street through Sunday, June 23rd. Trail map now available for download!
Friday, June 14th
Special Performance
7:00 pm (door open at 6:30 pm)
Brewbakers Cafe
48 Emerald Street, Keene
General Admission: $15 online or at the door
Already hailed as “the next Woody Guthrie,” Crys is among the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers.
A former drum major and classically trained clarinetist turned folk singer, Matthews uses her voice to answer Dr. Martin Luther King’s call to be “a drum major for justice.”
“I believe in hope,” Matthews said. “As a social-justice songwriter, it is my duty to keep breathing that hope and encouragement into the people who listen to my music.”
Crys Matthews’s thoughtful, realistic, and emotional songs speak to the voice of our generation and remind us why music indeed soothes the soul.
Sunday, June 16th
Two film screenings
2:00 pm | Showroom, a Colonial Performing Arts Venue
Kid Flicks: Celebrating Black Stories
Screening of shorts for ages 8+ curated by the New York International Children's Film Festival
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6:30 pm | KSC - Parker Hall, Drenan Auditorium
Imitation of Life
Screening of the newly restored 1934 film directed by John M. Stahl.
Imitation of Life explores America’s bitter racial realities and is heartbreakingly enacted by trailblazing Black performers Beavers and Washington—which lends the film its transcendent emotional power. This first adaptation of Fannie Hurst’s best-selling novel boldly confronts the complexities and contradictions of racial identity, economic exploitation, and the limits of the American dream.
Friday, June 14th - Author, Lesa Cline-Ransome
5:00 pm | The Toadstool Bookshop, 12 Emerald Street, Keene
Award-winning children's book author Lesa Cline-Ransome autographs, discusses, and reads from her newest book, One Big Open Sky, a story about what freedom means for black people in this country, told through three female characters and an all-black wagon company traveling west to Nebraska in 1879.
Lesa Cline-Ransome’s books have received numerous honors and awards, including NAACP Awards, Kirkus Best Books, ALA Notable, CBC Choice Awards, two Top 10 Sports Books for Youth, a Christopher Award, Jane Addams Award, and an Orbis Pictus Recommended Book. She lives in the Hudson Valley region of New York with her husband and frequent collaborator, illustrator James Ransome. Visit her at www.lesaclineransome.com.
Wednesday, June 19th
5:00 - 6:20 pm | Community Supper, Keene Community Kitchen, 37 Mechanic Street, Keene
Please join us for a special Juneteenth celebration during our usual community dinner service. Chef Anthony is planning a special menu for the occasion!
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6:00 pm | Central Square, Keene
Juneteenth Celebrations
Come and celebrate Juneteenth during this free, family-friendly event held at Central Square, the heart of downtown Keene—featuring live musical performances by Senie Hunt, the Gaslight Tinkers, and more!
Gaslight Tinkers
Senie Hunt
