Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire presents Juneteenth 2024 celebration

PORTSMOUTH — Juneteenth, a federal holiday celebrated each year on June 19, is the oldest known nationally celebrated event commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Here in New Hampshire, Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire (BHTNH) is partnering with the Currier Museum of Art and Seacoast African American Cultural Center (SAACC) to host celebratory events in Manchester and Portsmouth on June 7, 13, and 19. Programs include an art exhibit and reception, an in-person and virtual in-depth panel discussion, children's drumming workshop, African drumming, and more.

The BHTNH Juneteenth theme this year is Dreaming Black Art: Gateways to a New Awareness. “This year’s Juneteenth programs will peel back the layers of the complex representation of Black men in our country to open gateways to a new awareness and understanding. We will celebrate the depth and lived experience of Black men in our midst. Artists and creatives whose work aims to dismantle harmful stereotypes and expectations imposed on Black men will guide and inspire us.” explains JerriAnne Boggis, BHTNH Executive Director.

She goes on to say, “Masculinity and manhood are hot topics in the United States today. Debates over the correct role of men in society fill our political and social discussions. Some men feel that they are under attack just for performing their male role in ‘traditional’ ways, while others (men and women) assert it is precisely those traditions – rooted in patriarchy – that are causing harm to men and to society writ large. As is often the case, these discussions take place in an environment infused with racial stereotypes that demonize Black masculinity.”

The schedule of events includes:

Friday, June 7, at 5 p.m. - Reception and Art Exhibit featuring Nadraj Nina Holmes at the BHTNH gallery, 222 Court St., Portsmouth.

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Thursday, June 13, at 6 p.m. - A Softer Side: Reclaiming Black Masculinity an In-person and Virtual Conversation at the Currier Museum, Manchester, 150 Ash St., Manchester. Exhibit and opening reception at 5:30 p.m.

Wed June 19, Portsmouth - Honoring the Ancestors: The key celebration will take place at the African Burying Ground featuring drumming. Traditionally the drum was the heartbeat and soul of African communities, thus holding deep historic and symbolic significance. The drums herald political and social events and ceremonies of birth, death, and marriage. They spark courtships, home-coming and going, and accompany religious rites and rituals that call up ancestral spirits while creating an atmosphere that promotes healing and social resilience.

• 10:30 a.m. African Touch/African Drumming/Children’s Drumming
• 11 a.m. African Drumming - “A time to praise, a time to honor, a time to heal”