BHTNH 2025 Juneteenth Celebration
Harboring Hope: The Power of Resilience
June 8, 10-16, & 19
The celebration includes a movie and discussion, tours, a gospel choir concert, Native American Drumming, A Dinner, African drumming, and more.
In challenging times, it can be difficult to have productive conversations about the past and its significance for the future. This year’s Juneteenth programs will continue the conversations we started with the Tea Talk Series on African philosophies of war and resilience.
Commemorative events are centered around the historic schooner La Amistad, which will be visiting New Hampshire for the first time. This powerful symbol will serve as the starting point for a journey of truth-telling about New Hampshire’s historical role in the enslavement of Africans, a story often overlooked. The events will center on honoring the resilience and survival of African Americans throughout history, celebrating their indomitable spirit and the richness of their cultural heritage. Through educational talks, performances, and community gatherings, participants will explore the depths of African American history and culture, creating a shared space for reflection, celebration, and understanding.
Juneteenth is the oldest known nationally celebrated event commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation declared that as of January 1, 1863, all slaves in states in rebellion against the Union “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.” However, it was not until June 19th, 1865, two years later, when the U.S. Army took possession of Galveston Island in Texas and began a campaign against defenders of slavery, that the enslaved people in Galveston could begin their journey towards freedom.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Sunday, June 8 | 2:00 PM | Temple Israel | Portsmouth
AMISTAD. A FILM SCREENING AND DISCUSSION
Join us for this free showing of the film Amistad and the following facilitated discussion. Amistad is a 1997 American historical drama film directed by Steven Spielberg, based on the events in 1839 aboard the Spanish slave ship La Amistad, during which Mende tribesmen abducted for the slave trade managed to gain control of their captors' ship off the coast of Cuba, and the international legal battle that followed their capture by the Washington, a U.S. revenue cutter. The case was ultimately resolved by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1841. Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, and Matthew McConaughey starred, along with Djimon Hounsou in his breakout role as Cinqué; Pete Postlethwaite, Nigel Hawthorne, and a then-unknown Chiwetel Ejiofor appeared in supporting roles. Please note that Amistad is rated R. Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Tuesday, June 10 | Welcome the Amistad | Portsmouth
LA AMISTAD, A SHIP WITH A STORY
The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire is thrilled to announce it will host the Amistad from Tuesday, June 9 to Monday, June 16, at Pierce Island in Portsmouth, NH. The 129-foot schooner is a replica of the 19th-century ship La Amistad, which became widely known for the 1839 uprising of enslaved captives from Sierra Leone who overthrew the crew and commandeered the ship into waters off the coast of New York.
The Schooner Amistad, operated by the nonprofit Discovering Amistad, embraces the “vision” of freedom the original ship embodied. It serves as a floating classroom to educate people about the history of enslavement and discrimination. The Amistad connects people of all ages with the Amistad story, motivating them to act and work to change systems that perpetuate racism to ensure human rights for all. Discovering Amistad was founded on the premise that every human life is a story and that every story deserves to be told.
Join us on June 10 to welcome the ship to shore with drums and fanfare.
Tours of the ship and other public programming will be offered while anchored at Pierce Island.
• School tours will be scheduled on June 11, 12, & 13 - more information on school tours here.
• Have Dinner with the captain on June 13
• Public Tours are available on June 14 & 15
The ship sails on June 16.
More Details to Come
Friday, June 13 | Dinner with the Captain | 6:00 PM
HOSTED BY BLMNH IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BHTNH
You are invited to a maritime-themed dinner celebrating African American maritime history. The menu features dishes inspired by coastal African American cuisine. Dine with the captain of the Amistad and hear stories of prominent African American mariners throughout history, like the "Black Jacks" of Portsmouth or the contributions of Black sailors during World War II.
More information to come.
Sunday, June 15 | Gospel Choir Concert | Music Hall | Portsmouth
TAKE ME TO THE RIVER, FEATURING HOWARD GOSPEL CHOIR
Gospel music has long been a powerful tool for African American resilience, serving as a source of strength, community, and spiritual upliftment. Rooted in the African American experience, particularly in the era of enslavement and segregation, gospel music has been a means of both survival and resistance. It has allowed African Americans to express their pain, hope, and faith while fostering solidarity and collective action.
Returning to Portsmouth, the Howard Gospel Choir, a group of students, alumni, and community members from Howard University, will lift our spirits as we celebrate, heal, and empower our communities. As the world’s first college choir, the Howard Gospel Choir is a trailblazer for gospel music ministries on collegiate campuses worldwide.
Choir Director: Ray Bramble
The event is brought to you in partnership with the Music Hall, Portsmouth.
Thursday, June 19 | 11:00 AM | African Drumming | African Burying Ground
WADE IN THE WATER: A DRUMBEAT FOR SPIRITUAL RENEWAL
African drumming has long been a cornerstone of cultural resilience, serving as a powerful medium for expression, communication, and unity. Deeply embedded in African traditions, drumming is more than music; it is a language that conveys stories, emotions, and messages across generations.
This commemorative event, live streaming from the Portsmouth African Burying Ground, celebrates Black joy that pays homage to the ancestors. The healing beat of the drums provided by Akwaaba Ensemble, an African drumming and dance group, and a ceremony by Rev. Robert Thompson will honor the ancestors, preserve identity, maintain a sense of belonging, and affirm cultural pride.
This event is free and open to the public.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is the oldest known nationally celebrated event commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation declared that as of January 1, 1863, all slaves of the states in rebellion against the Union “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.” However, it was not until June 19th, 1865, two years later, when the U.S. Army took possession of Galveston Island in Texas and began a campaign against the defenders of slavery, that the enslaved people in Galveston could begin their journey towards freedom.
