Juneteenth: Community, Honor, and Observance

Juneteenth officially became an American federal holiday two years ago, called “National Independence Day” by President Joseph Biden. Juneteenth, which is both a day of solemn reflection and remembrance and one of emancipation celebration, uplifts June 19, 1865: the date when the last enslaved people in the Confederacy were notified of their freedom following the Civil War. The Town of Rye, which is home to one of the area’s most important Black History sites, The Rye African-American Cemetery, once again honors the memory of our forebears with its third annual event of service and spoken word at the cemetery, on Saturday, June 22, 2024, beginning at 10 am.

Register Here:
Registration Link: https://townofrye.seamlessdocs.com/f/2024Juneteenth

Waiver Link: https://townofrye.seamlessdocs.com/f/Juneteenth%20Participation%20Waiver%202024

‍THE CEREMONY:
The Town of Rye will be honoring Juneteenth with a commemoration followed by a day of service beautifying the African American cemetery. This year’s Juneteenth commemoration will feature lessons in history from area experts and poignant perspectives from descendants of the many heroes interred within. It’s an occasion to pay homage to the experiences of local Black emigrants and citizens over the course of the past two centuries.

‍WHEN:
Saturday, June 22, 2024 (rain date June 23rd)

‍WHERE:
AFRICAN AMERICAN CEMETERY
215 North Street, Town of Rye, NY
(in the Greenwood Union Cemetery)

It is highly recommended that participants wear outdoor work gloves and bring any of the following items with them to help with clean-up work:

Rakes
Shovels
Outdoor Broom
Outdoor Working Gloves
* It is important that you dress appropriately. Be sure to wear layers if necessary, thick socks, and closed-toe shoes.

* Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

‍If you have a service form you would like filled out, please Email it to Councilperson Pam Jaffee at [email protected]