Good morning, Medford, Friday, June 19
Happy Friday, everybody. Today is Juneteenth. We've got a little history lesson, care of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and details about a Juneteenth celebration happening this evening. Plus, events and activities taking place Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Medford.
Today is Juneteenth, the day we recognize that freedom did not come to all enslaved black people in the south right away following the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. Slaves in Texas were not freed until two years later. But, Juneteenth is also a day for celebrating.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture has a page titled, "The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth," which explains the history and significance of this holiday:
"On 'Freedom’s Eve,' or the eve of January 1, 1863, the first Watch Night services took place. On that night, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country, awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered as all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free.
"Union soldiers, many of whom were black, marched onto plantations and across cities in the south reading small copies of the Emancipation Proclamation spreading the news of freedom in Confederate States. Only through the Thirteenth Amendment did emancipation end slavery throughout the United States.
"But not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later.
“Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as 'Juneteenth,' by the newly freed people in Texas."
The West Medford Community Center is hosting a Juneteenth celebration this evening beginning at 7 p.m. that will include music, poetry, sweet treats, and more. The celebration is free and open to all.
A quick reminder...
The Chevalier Theatre is offering 2 free tickets to the June 26 Aries Spears show, plus dinner for two at LongCross Bar & Kitchen. Follow this link to Instagram to see details on how to enter.
Happening in Medford today and over the weekend
If you have an event that you would like to have listed in our calendar, send the information to gottaknowmedford@gmail.com.
Friday, June 19
Please note: City Hall, the Medford Public Library, and the Senior Center are closed today in honor of Juneteenth.
Sisters in Sweat Exercise Group at 9:30 a.m. at West Medford Community Center. Walking and other low-impact activities for seniors.
Alex's Team World Cup Fundraiser from 2 to 6 p.m. at The Great American Beer Hall. Alex’s Team funds pioneering programs in pediatric oncology research and care. Purchase tickets in advance.
Juneteenth Celebration at 7 p.m. at West Medford Community Center will include poetry, music, sweet treats, and special guests What the World Needs Now: Interfaith Coalition Singers. Free and open to all.
12 Rods / TIFFY perform starting at 7 p.m. at Deep Cuts.
Saturday, June 20
Spanish Fun Language Class at 9 a.m. at Medford Public Library. Casual Spanish class for adults runs four Saturdays, though June 27. Learn Spanish by listening, reading, and role-playing everyday situations. Registration (through the June 6 listing) is required.
Family Story Time at 10 a.m. at Medford Public Library for children ages 3-7 to explore new concepts with books and songs. Parents and caregivers are welcome to join in.
Emo Yoga at 11 a.m. at Deep Cuts with Crystal Rose Yoga. All-levels yoga to the sounds of emo, screamo, and pop punk.
Tech Drop-In Hour at 11:30 a.m. at Medford Public Library. An IT volunteer will be available to help you with any tech-related questions.
Sulinha's Trio Concert at 12 p.m. at Medford Public Library. Sulinha's Trio performs original songs from her four children's albums.
Tito's Vodka Yappy Hour from 12 to 2 p.m. at The Ford Tavern. Have lunch and meet adoptable dogs from Great Dog Rescue New England.
Cosmologyscape: Day of Dreaming from 12 to 5 p.m. at Royall House and Slave Quarters with multidisciplinary artists Kite (Oglála Lakȟóta) and Alisha B Wormsley: "Centering Black and Indigenous voices while welcoming all, the afternoon holds space for a simple but radical question: whose dreams shaped the world we live in today, and whose dreams might allow for a future everyone can thrive in?"
Medford Open Studios from noon to 6 p.m. at host sites and home studios around Medford. Follow the link for schedules, maps, and information about the over 100 participating artists.
Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society meeting from 1 to 3 p.m. at Medford Public Library and via Zoom. Monthly meeting of the New England Chapter.
Medford Chess Club from 1 to 3 p.m. at Medford Public Library.
Boston Glory Ultimate Frisbee at 7 p.m. at Hormel Stadium vs. Philadelphia Phoenix.
Neptune / Lupo Città / There will perform beginning at 7 p.m. at Deep Cuts.
Sunday, June 21
Collector Expo from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Great American Beer Hall. Buy, sell, and trade sports cards, Pokémon, memorabilia, and rare collectibles.
Sunday Sound Bath with Hendrik at 9:30 a.m. at Arts Collaborative Medford.
Mystic Walkers at 11 a.m. at Hormel Stadium. All ages and abilities are welcome to join. The group will decide where the walk will go.
Kier Byrnes Freedom Runners at 11 a.m. at Medford Brewing. Choose from several different loops or create your own. All are welcome.
Medford Historical Society and Museum is open on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Current exhibit is, "1776 and beyond," but there are also many other resources to explore.
Books and Brews Bookfair from 2 to 5 p.m. at Medford Brewing with Book Ends of Winchester. Books for all ages.
Josh Gates: An Evening of Legends, Mysteries, and Tales of Adventure at 7 p.m. at the Chevalier Theatre. Josh Gates is the host and executive producer of the Discovery Channel series “Expedition Unknown.” The show follows Gates as he sets out on a global journey to explore archaeological discoveries, historic mysteries, and scientific breakthroughs.
The Animeros w/ The Weisstronauts will perform beginning at 7 p.m. at Deep Cuts.
In Case you missed it
Rich Tenorio takes a look at how immigrant communities in Medford are celebrating and watching the World Cup.
Gotta Know Medford Staff
