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Voices of Belonging

NEW HAVEN, CT — The Official Juneteenth Coalition of Greater New Haven & Connecticut (JCGNH-CT) proudly announces its 13th Annual Juneteenth Celebration and 8th New Haven Hip Hop Conference, a citywide series of educational, cultural, artistic, and community-centered events taking place throughout June and July 2026 under the theme Voices of Belonging.

Bringing together local, state, national, and international organizations, elected officials, artists, educators, entrepreneurs, youth, elders, and residents, the celebration honors the enduring legacy of Juneteenth while creating opportunities for dialogue, learning, cultural exchange, and community engagement.

As communities across the nation commemorate America's 250th Anniversary, this year's celebration explores the interconnected stories of freedom, citizenship, belonging, and the ongoing contributions of the African Diaspora to the American experience.

HIGHLIGHTS

1. JUNETEENTH FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

Monday, June 1, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. Sharp
Fountain, New Haven Green

The Official Juneteenth Coalition of Greater New Haven & Connecticut will launch the 13th Annual Juneteenth Celebration with the official raising of the Juneteenth Flag during a special 30-minute ceremony at the center flagpole on the New Haven Green.

The ceremony will feature the raising of the official Juneteenth Flag, created by Connecticut resident and National Juneteenth Observance Foundation founder Ben Haith (Boston Ben), as the centerpiece of the celebration.

Remarks will be offered by Dr. Hanan Hameen, Co-Founder and President of the Official Juneteenth Coalition of Greater New Haven & Connecticut; Mayor Justin Elicker; and historian Jill Snyder.

Coalition members and partners participating in the ceremony include Diane X. Brown, Senior Branch Manager of Stetson Library; Kidz Kook; S.P.O.R.T. Academy; Rahsaan Langley of The Rahsaan Langley Project; Sun Queen; Neighborhood Music School; the International Festival of Arts & Ideas; Bud Mench Media; Wikipedia AfroCrowd New Haven-Wisdom & Wiki Sensation and Artist Gabe Brooks; New Haven Homeboys; and Coalition Youth Representative Namumba Santos.

The ceremony will culminate with a special presentation featuring world-renowned master trumpeter and educator William Fluker and the current New Haven Poet Laureate, Yexandra "Yex" Diaz. 

National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF) founding members will also be in attendance to commemorate the occasion and fellowship with the community.

2. FESTIVAL WEEKEND KICKOFF

Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Flint Street Theater

The official launch of Juneteenth Festival Weekend will feature a preview performance from the Juneteenth Artist Showcase, a presentation by the New Haven Poet Laureate, community dialogue, and a screening of the documentary Hill.

The evening provides an opportunity for residents, artists, educators, community leaders, and visitors to gather in reflection, conversation, and celebration as New Haven prepares for a weekend honoring freedom, culture, and community.

3. 13TH ANNUAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION: JUNETEENTH JAMBOREE FEATURING NEW HAVEN ALL-STARS

Friday, June 19, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
New Haven Green

Hosted by Dr. Hanan Hameen, Sun Queen, and Rahsaan Langley, the Juneteenth Jamboree serves as the centerpiece of New Haven's Juneteenth Day observance, bringing together history, culture, music, dance, and community celebration.

The program begins at 3:00 p.m. with a Commemorative Walk honoring Lucy and Lois Tritton, recognized as the last two enslaved persons sold on the New Haven Green. The walk will be facilitated and led by historian Jill Snyder.

At 4:00 p.m., the celebration continues with the annual Elder Honoring Ceremony, featuring the Keepers of the Culture Performing Arts Company and recognizing elders whose leadership and service have strengthened the Greater New Haven community.

At 5:00 p.m., attendees will enjoy a live performance by Monk Singers & Friends.

The evening concludes from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with an Outdoor Karaoke Dance Party, hosted by The Rahsaan Langley Project and Nikki w/2 K's, inviting community members of all ages to celebrate through music, dance, and fellowship.

4. 13TH ANNUAL JUNETEENTH VILLAGE & MARKETPLACE

Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
New Haven Green

Grounded in the principles of Umoja (Unity) and Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), the Juneteenth Village & Marketplace brings together families, entrepreneurs, artists, educators, community organizations, and cultural practitioners for an afternoon of learning, engagement, and celebration.

Throughout the day, attendees can explore the Juneteenth Youth Zone, connect with local businesses and community resources, support entrepreneurs and artisans, and participate in hands-on cultural experiences designed to foster intergenerational learning and community connection.

Featured Juneteenth Interactive Workshops include:

• African Drum Class & Circle with Baba Brian Jarawa Gray

• Capoeira

• Zumba with Chaila Gilliams

• Soca GymJam with Rein

• Caribbean Carnival with the Trinibago American Cultural Explorers

The celebration will also feature the Juneteenth Artist Showcase, curated by Juneteenth Coalition Youth Representative Namumba Santos, highlighting young and emerging artists from Temple University and the Artsucation Artist Development Training Program in New Haven.

The day culminates with a headline performance by New Haven jazz legend The William Fluker Band.

5. NEW HAVEN HIP HOP CONFERENCE PART I

Presented in Collaboration with the International Festival of Arts & Ideas
Sunday, June 21, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
New Haven Museum

As part of the 8th New Haven Hip Hop Conference, this special Juneteenth weekend edition brings together pioneering voices in Hip Hop culture, media, dance, and entertainment for an afternoon of dialogue, learning, and cultural exchange.

The program features Queens of the Culture: An Ideas Talk, a panel discussion exploring the contributions of women and cultural leaders who have helped shape and preserve Hip Hop's legacy.

Featured panelists include legendary dancer Kim Holmes, longtime The Source Magazine editor Courtney Brown, and legendary radio personality Zeb Powell.

Participants will also experience an Interactive Hip Hop Dance Workshop taught by Dr. Hanan Hameen with live music provided by DJ Too Much.

The afternoon culminates with a keynote presentation by Drew Dixon, renowned music industry executive, advocate, and cultural leader.

Presented in collaboration with the International Festival of Arts & Ideas, the program reflects the New Haven Hip Hop Conference's commitment to preserving Hip Hop culture, fostering intergenerational dialogue, and creating opportunities for learning, critical reflection, and community engagement through the arts.

JUNETEENTH RESTAURANT WEEK

June 14 – June 21, 2026

Throughout the week, residents and visitors are encouraged to support participating restaurants throughout Greater New Haven while exploring the diverse culinary traditions that contribute to the region's cultural vibrancy and economic vitality.

ABOUT THE OFFICIAL JUNETEENTH COALITION OF GREATER NEW HAVEN & CONNECTICUT

Founded in 2013, the Official Juneteenth Coalition of Greater New Haven & Connecticut serves as a collaborative network of community organizations, artists, educators, businesses, institutions, and residents dedicated to preserving and advancing the history, significance, and contemporary relevance of Juneteenth through arts, education, culture, civic engagement, and economic empowerment initiatives.

The Coalition operates as an extension of the umbrella organization, the Artsucation™ Academy Network (AAN) and is supported by the International Festival of Arts & Ideas, Stetson Library, Kidz Kook, S.P.O.R.T. Academy, the New Haven Hip Hop Conference, and Ms. Hanan's Dance and Beyond, Inc. since 2013.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Dr. Hanan Hameen, Ed.D.
Founder & Executive Director, Artsucation™ Academy Network
Co-Founder & President, Official Juneteenth Coalition of Greater New Haven & Connecticut
Phone: 475-444-9570 (Call or Text)
Email: info@artsucation.org | juneteenthgnh@gmail.com
Websites: www.artsucation.org | www.artidea.org

Iman Hameen
Event Coordinator
Official Juneteenth Coalition of Greater New Haven & Connecticut
Phone: 203-824-5601 (Text Only)

For event updates, sponsorship opportunities, vendor information, volunteer registration, and additional programming details, visit www.artsucation.org or www.artidea.org.