Dance, poetry, and drums will come together in one place to commemorate Juneteenth. On Saturday, May 31, Ossining will become the first stop in the county’s commemorative calendar. Countywide Juneteenth Kick-Off Celebration is the name of this gathering, which will begin at 11 am and aims to pass on history and unity to new generations.

Starting at 10:30 am, Bethany Arts Community will open its doors to welcome visitors, who will be able to enjoy live music, spoken word, traditional dances, and cultural tributes. The program will focus on African American history and the role it has played in shaping the present. There will also be activities for children and open spaces for community dialogue.

The Countywide Juneteenth Kick-Off Celebration is organized by the Ossining Juneteenth Council and the Countywide Juneteenth Coalition, with support from the Westchester County government. The program, scheduled to run until 1 p.m., is part of the cultural initiative Westchester Roots 2025, developed by ArtsWestchester, an organization committed to highlighting the region’s cultural diversity.

Organizers anticipate a strong turnout, as has been the case in previous years. Although it is not required, attendees may register at the link to confirm their attendance at the gathering, which commemorates June 19, 1865, the day the last enslaved people in Texas learned of their emancipation.

Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021. However, the Ossining community has been hosting public events for years, combining culture, history, and intergenerational participation to highlight the significance of the date, also known as the second Independence Day.

Peekskill’s Juneteenth Freedom Day is scheduled for June 21 and will be featured in this space next week.