slandie prinston is the Marketing + Communications Fellow at Now + There, as well as a writer and organizer in Boston.
slandie’s top picks + a busy weekend ahead!
A period of high excitement for kids and adults alike, June comes bearing many seeds and fruits. Though it’s getting hotter and there are even more opportunities now to gather outside with carelessness and ease, I have no concrete plans for the coming weekend (first in a LONG time). I may not know which events I’m attending but one thing is certain: I can see myself boarding the SL4 bus to Nubian Square, spending some of my hard-earned coins at Hayley House, and picking up a new plant baby at the Boston Gardener across from Black Market. There are many ways to deepen political consciousness around equity and spatial justice in Boston, and at baseline, investing money will always give an immediate boost to Black and Brown communities…but the work cannot and does not stop there.
As an immigrant from Haiti who did not grow up celebrating Juneteenth, and a visibly Black person, whose intersectional identities create a great deal of ambiguity, I find Juneteenth to be a centering period. I find it to be a moment where Black art, aesthetics, and free expression receive the kind of loving attention that leads to transformative meaning-making.
If you missed Bow Market and Black Owned Bos’s Juneteeth celebration on 6/16, you can still grab a Juneteeth tote bag or T-shirt online. Support the artists who showcased and performed: Ayana Mack, Jason Talbot, Paul Willis, Miranda Rae and many more!
If you visit Bow Market this weekend, drop by @iamkreyol! This high fashion brand empowers women through fashion and entrepreneurship. Created by artist and thinker Joelle Fontaine @iamjoellefontaine, who was selected to be part of Visa’s She’s Next in Fashion Program among other women trailblazing the clothing, beauty, and accessories game. @iamkreyol opened its doors on @bow.market’s second floor JUST a few days ago, marking its transition from pop-up to brick-and-mortar space.
On Friday, June 17th at 3 pm, wear your Black Owned Bos Juneteenth merch or any merch created/co-created by a Black or Brown artist. Prep your water bottle + chewy granola for the Juneteenth March to Freedom that will kick off at Melnea Cass Arena, 120 MLK Boulevard in Roxbury. If you are not able to attend the march, tap into inPUBLIC’s All our relations | A Family reunion to celebrate Juneteenth, from 5 to 9:30 pm. Local bbq, games, family portraits, and a lot of exciting activities are on the agenda. Don’t miss all this fun!
No chores or work on Saturday 6/18? Enjoy picnics, barbecues, music, and dancing at the Shattuck Picnic Grove and all over park Franklin Park, where Juneteenth is held annually as a Roxbury homecoming and neighborhood celebration.
Test one of the eleven eateries participating in a taste of Black Boston BEFORE the main event, and maybe, check them out AGAIN (with a +1 *wink*) on 6/25. This event is intended to highlight the amazing food offerings from several Black-owned restaurants in the Greater Boston area, including Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen, MIDA, and Savvor Restaurant & Lounge.
Loop some of the festivities with the Royalty Gala on Sunday 6/19 at 7 pm, at the Bruce C. Bolling Building, 2300 Washington Street, Nubian Square. The evening promises luxe and brilliance, as well as beauty and solidarity.
How was the event you attended? Feel free to message us on Instagram or Twitter to share your experience. We love to stay in the loop about ALL things public art.
Header: Photo by Faith Ninivaggi of Black folx/kin in front of Rob “Problak” Gibbs Breathe Life 3 mural at 808 Tremont St.