The Town of Arlington will host a Celebration of Black Patriots of Menotomy to commemorate Juneteenth (6/19) and Prince Hall Day (6/24) on the lawn of Whittemore Robbins House. The event, held on Sunday, June 23 from 2-5pm, will combine the joy of Juneteenth with a spotlight on Arlington’s rich history of Black patriotism rooted in the Revolutionary War and beyond.
Enjoy poetry by featured guest poet Charles Coe, kids’ crafts activities, food provided by Gourmet Kreyòl food truck, and positive vibes by DJ Jo in an outdoors, family friendly free celebration while learning about our history.
Charles Coe, our featured guest, is a poet, prose writer, teacher of writing and a musician. His books include All Sins Forgiven: Poems for my Parents and Picnic on the Moon, both published by Leapfrog Press as well as Spin Cycles, a novella published by Gemma Media. Coe received a fellowship in poetry from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and was selected by the Associates of the Boston Public Library as a “Boston Literary Light in 2014.”
Attendees will also explore the legacy of Black patriotism by learning about key figures like Cuff Whittemore and David Lamson, who were pivotal in key battles in the Revolutionary War and the advancement of people of color in the region. Rediscover the story of Prince Hall, abolitionist and leader in the free black community in Boston who founded Prince Hall Freemasonry, in time for the annual Arlington Prince Hall Day celebrations the following day. Attendees are encouraged to visit the historic Prince Hall Cemetery on Gardner Street and attend the celebration on June 24 at 7pm at the Masonic Temple of Academy Street.
And attendees can pay respects at a monument to the enslaved and free people of color buried in unmarked graves in Arlington’s nearby Old Burying Ground, dedicated by the Arlington Historical Society last Juneteenth.
“I am excited that the stories of these Black patriots are being uplifted and shared with the community, because often voices of color and their stories can get lost in history,” said Jillian Harvey, the Town’s Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
“Arlington is committed to creating the largest, most broadly inclusive commemoration of the semiquincentennial possible,” said Stewart Ikeda, co-chair of Arts Arlington and Arlington 250 Committee member. “This year’s recognition and celebration of Black Patriots and Juneteenth as an Arlington 250 signature event is just one way we’re elevating the ‘untold stories’ of our town’s history, including its people of color, right back to the very first day of the revolution and well before that.”
This celebration is presented by Arlington’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division, Arlington 250, Arts Arlington, and the Arlington Historical Society.
For questions email dei@town.arlington.ma.us
