On Thursday, June 19, in honor of Juneteenth, The Black Response (TBR) invites you to a full day of storytelling, reflection, and celebration.
We will kick off the day with a special screening of our new film, Where Do Black Men Live?, at the historic Brattle Theatre. This powerful short film brings to life the housing stories of Black men in Cambridge, exploring themes of resilience, community, and systemic injustice through their own words.
Following the film, we will host a conversation featuring Ukumbwa Sauti, a renowned scholar of masculinities and media, alongside Cori Spencer, the filmmaker. Together, they will reflect on the film’s themes and engage the audience in dialogue about storytelling, liberation, and community-building.
The celebration continues at Cambridge Common from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM for our Juneteenth Festival.
About Juneteenth:
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce and enforce the Emancipation Proclamation—more than two years after it was originally issued. It marks the formal end of slavery for the last remaining enslaved Black Americans. Today, Juneteenth stands as a celebration of Black resilience, freedom, culture, and the ongoing fight for true liberation.
Festival Highlights:
Live music led by Bridgeside Cypher and a closing performance by Good Trouble, Cambridge’s spirited Honk! band
Free food from local vendors
Community tabling by organizations working for racial and economic justice
Children’s play area with activities and games
A special reading of Frederick Douglass' historic speech, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?", followed by a community discussion table where attendees can engage in reflection and dialogue about its continued relevance today
Art, connection, and collective visioning for a just future
This day is about more than remembrance—it is about joy, resistance, community, and continuing the work of those who came before us.
This event is co-sponsored by Black Alliance for Peace, Asian American Resource Workshop, Cambridge Housing Justice Coalition, and SURJ Boston.
The event is free and open to the public.
Bring your family, friends, energy, and dreams—we look forward to celebrating and building with you!
Please contact Virginia at general@theblackresponsecambridge.com with any questions.