Celebrate Juneteenth At These MetroWest, Worcester Events

MARLBOROUGH, MA — Juneteenth has been a major holiday in the U.S. stretching back to its founding in 1865. But in 2020, Juneteenth has taken on a new meaning due to large protests surrounding the deaths of black people at the hands of police.

Juneteenth celebrates the date in 1865 that Union troops landed in Galveston, Texas, and announced that the Civil War had ended. There are numerous events in Massachusetts — including at the Boston African American National Historical Site — celebrating Juneteenth this year, with many mixing in themes from recent protests.

Here are some happening in the MetroWest area on Friday and Saturday:

Juneteenth Freedom Tribute, Marlborough

This event begins Friday at 5 p.m. at the Union Common featuring music and speeches. Hosted by One Marlborough.

Juneteenth Virtual Commemoration, Wayland

The Wayland Public Library will host this online event exploring the Emancipation Proclamation and other events around the end of slavery.

Framingham Celebrates Juneteenth

This event takes place on Saturday at noon at Cushing Memorial Park. The event will feature a "peaceful, celebratory" march from the park to Memorial Hall.

Juneteenth - George Floyd - BLM RALLY, Framingham

This celebration will begin Friday at 5 p.m. with a standout with signs at the corner of Waverly and Concord/Irving streets (Routes 135 and 126).

Worcester's Virtual Juneteenth Celebration

Worcester's annual Juneteenth event will be held online this year. You can join via Zoom (first 100 participants only) or watch live on the Worcester Black Heritage Festival website.

Juneteenth Day of Celebration, Worcester

The Worcester Caribbean American Carnival is hosting two events on June 19 and June 20 to commemorate the holiday. Find out more on the event page.

Virtual Juneteenth Celebration, Wellesley

Babson College will host this online event featuring keynote speaker Aaron Walton, CEO of Walton Isaacson, Babson Trustee Amanda Strong, and faculty. Begins at 11 a.m. Friday.

A Celebration of Juneteenth: An Uprising of Peace, Upton, Milford, Hopedale

The Trinity Episcopal in Milford, Bethany Community Church in Mendon, St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish in Upton, Hopedale Unitarian Parish and United Parish of Upton are joining together at 4 p.m. to host a worship service.

Juneteenth Demonstration to Honor Black Lives, Holliston

The event begins at Goodwill Park at 6:30 p.m. and features speakers talking about the recent uprising surrounding the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery.

Walpole Juneteenth Celebration

Speakers will discuss black history during the event at the Walpole Town Common beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday.

MFA Community Celebration: Juneteenth

The Museum of Fine Arts Boston will explore the contributions of black citizens to Boston and Massachusetts.

If you know of an event that's not on this list, email neal.mcnamara@patch.com.