Juneteenth Celebration

Description

Join the Windsor Human Relations Commission and Windsor Historical Society for an afternoon of joy, culture, and community on the historic Palisado Green. Starting at 4 p.m., enjoy family-friendly crafts, engaging story readings, a bounce house, lively performances by Magic Soul Academy drumline, and delicious food from fantastic local food trucks. Come celebrate freedom, history, and togetherness with your friends and neighbors!

At 7 p.m., gather around a fire on grounds once walked by people enslaved in Windsor, and take part in our annual audience-led firelight reading. This year’s reading is Lemuel Haynes’ 1776 essay, “Liberty Further Extended.” Born in West Hartford in 1753, Haynes was America’s first Black ordained minister. In this contemporary response to the Declaration of Independence, Haynes argues against slavery, calls out the hypocrisy of American’s war for “independence,” and advocates for a better, freer future. Participants are welcome to either take part and read the words or listen and reflect on this important piece of abolitionist history.

Both programs are outside. In the case of heavy rain, both programs will be moved indoors to Windsor Historical Society facilities.

This program is part of Windsor Historical Society’s WindsorCT250 commemoration activities. For more information, visit WindsorHistoricalSociety.org or email info@windsorhistoricalsociety.org.