Bay Path Invites the Community to a Juneteenth Celebration on June 11, 2022

Longmeadow, MA - Bay Path University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs and Springfield Technical Community College are teaming up to offer a family-friendly Juneteenth Community Celebration on Saturday, June 11, from 11:00 am - 3:00pm on Bay Path’s Longmeadow campus. This free event is open to the community.

Juneteenth marks the day — June 19, 1865 — that enslaved African Americans in Texas received word they were free, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. “As an institution of higher education, it’s important that we bring our community together to learn about the significance of Juneteenth, and to acknowledge the struggle our nation still faces with racism and how we, as a collective, can move forward,” shared Elizabeth Cardona, Bay Path’s Executive Director of Multicultural Affairs and International Student Life. “But it’s also really important that we bring our community - both our internal community and those of our surrounding neighborhoods, towns, and organizations - together to celebrate the day that signifies the end of slavery in our country.”

The outdoor event will be held rain or shine and will offer interactive activities including a read-aloud of Juneteenth Jamboree" by Carole Boston Weatherford; live performances by the Women of Faith Ensemble, vocalist Nekita Waller, and more; Black-owned businesses and vendors; community resources; lawn games and kid-friendly activities; and free lunch for the first 100 registered guests.

For more information on the Juneteenth Community Celebration and to register for lunch, please visit baypath.edu/juneteenth.