3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration Unfolds In Greenport

GREENPORT, NY — Once again, the community will come together in Greenport for an annual Juneteenth Parade and celebration

The Juneteenth Parade and Celebration event, organized by the Clinton Memorial AME Zion Church in Greenport, the North Fork chapter of Coming to the Table, a national organization dedicated to racial healing, and the Southold Anti-Bias Task Force, takes place on Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20.

Greenport’s first Juneteenth celebration was held in 2023 to commemorate what became an official federal holiday in 2021. The Town of Southold issued a Proclamation in 2024 to officially mark the day and celebration.

This year, the celebration begins on Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a Juneteenth Fundraising Dinner at Flavor Fork, located at 36 South Street in Greenport. Vanessa Mims of I Cater to You, Lenz Winery and Flavor Fork are presenting the event, which include an opportunity to meet Jo-Ann Wilson, author of Pages from the Diary of an Ex-Slave.

Tickets cost $150 and can be purchased here.

Next on Friday at 7 p.m., Jo-Ann Wilson’s Pages from the Diary of an Ex-Slave, will be presented at the North Fork Arts Center, located at 211 Front Street.

"Writer Jo-Ann Wilson brings her powerful and inspiring oratorio-style to the main stage with singers, musicians and dancers who together tell the fictionalized story of a young enslaved woman’s escape to freedom — and subsequent life as an abolitionist and storyteller," organizers said.

Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased here.

On Saturday, June 20 at 10 a.m., the Juneteenth Celebration kicks off. The schedule is as follows:

10 a.m.

Meet at the Clinton AME Zion Church, located at 614 Third Street in Greenport, where the church elders will be honored, and Pastor Natalie R. Wimberly, or "Pastor Nat," as she is known to our community will speak of the significance of this year’s celebration, "The Walk to Freedom Continues."

11 a.m.

Juneteenth parade begins. All are welcome to join — whether as an organization or individuals. Email to register a group. Individuals are welcome to simply participate. Walk with the group from the church to Mitchell Park.

Noon to 2 p.m.

Dance, music, drumming and spoken word

Gather at Mitchell Park for a program that includes community members, singers, dancers and spoken word performances including:

Mambembé New York

Mambembé is an NYC based Afro-Brazilian percussion ensemble rooted in the traditions of Samba Reggae from Bahia, Brazil. They see their music as a way to express identity, build community, and celebrate African heritage through rhythm and collective energy.

Lavender Light Gospel Choir

The Lavender Light, the Black and People of All Colors Lesbian and Gay Gospel Choir, "was founded in 1985 to provide special ministry to Black people who have been historically pressured to choose between their blackness and their gayness. Their repertoire includes gospel (old and new), spirituals and anthems," organizers said.

Both groups were funded by The Friends of Mitchell Park.