Fifth Annual Juneteenth Downeast 2025: Commemorating Solidarity and Wellness at Knowlton Park in Ellsworth
Press Release
Ellsworth, ME. The fifth annual Juneteenth Downeast Commemoration returns to Knowlton Park, 11 Shore Road, Ellsworth, Maine, on Thursday, June 19, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. This free festival invites all Mainers and visitors to participate in Juneteenth for a day filled with Black and Indigenous music, culture, food, and activities for all ages.
Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19th, commemorates the day when Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were first told that they were freed from slavery, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This significant date was recognized as a federal holiday only in 2021. The Downeast community comes together to acknowledge the ongoing struggle for freedom endured by Black and Indigenous people for over half a millennium. This commemoration honors those who have paved the way and allows the community to express gratitude for the strength and replenishment found in fellowship.
This year’s theme is “Caring for Ourselves and Each Other,” to provide respite from shared challenges and celebrate the resilience and vibrancy of Black and Indigenous communities in Maine. United in solidarity to create a space of belonging, purpose, and, importantly, joy and ease!
Organized as a collaborative effort among community organizations and individuals, the day will be filled with hands-on activities for youth and adults, informational tables, and more. Black and Indigenous people will be central to all musical performances and speaker engagements, with appearances by Chief-Nze Oscar Mokeme, Cipelahq Ehpicik Thunderbird Women, and more. Complimentary food will be available from local vendors, including Pat’s Pizza Bar Harbor and Jamaican Temptations, providing Jamaican cuisine, and Honey and Lace, providing delectable baked goods.
Juneteenth Downeast extends their heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, including Healthy Acadia, Greater Bangor Area Branch NAACP, YWCA MDI, MDI Racial Equity Working Group, Mano en Mano, Exercise Design Lab, and with a special shout out to WERU Community Radio for their ongoing support.
Funded in part by Maine Initiatives, the Permanent Commission On The Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations, State of Maine, and the generosity of community individuals, businesses, and organizations. Juneteenth Downeast is fiscally sponsored by Healthy Acadia. For a list of event partners and supporters, or to make a donation in support of this event, visit www.juneteenthdowneast.org/giving.
The Commemoration will be live-streamed at https://vimeo.com/event/5153449
For more information about Juneteenth Downeast 2025, please visit www.juneteenthdowneast.org and follow @JuneteenthDowneast on Facebook for updates.