City of Burlington to hold 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration

Vermont Business Magazine The Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging proudly announces the 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration in the City of Burlington. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 2PM – 10PM on Church Street and in City Hall Park. The community is invited to join in honoring the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrating the rich cultural heritage and contributions of our Black community.

As threats against equity and inclusion initiatives continue to rise across the nation, this event serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggles and achievements in the fight for racial justice. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day embodies the resilience and strength of Black people and reinforces the necessity of celebrating our shared history.

“I look forward to welcoming community members and visitors to Burlington for our 5th annual Juneteenth Celebration,” said Mayor Emma-Mulvaney-Stanak. “This annual event is an opportunity to center and celebrate Black culture, while providing space for learning, community building, and togetherness. As we celebrate Juneteenth, we also acknowledge and recommit ourselves to the work of creating a truly just and equitable City.”

“This celebration is not just a commemoration of freedom, but a powerful statement of our commitment to racial equity and social justice in the City of Burlington,” said Christian Berry, Interim Director of the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. “Our vision is a community where all members, especially those who have been disproportionately underserved, underrepresented, and marginalized, feel welcomed, safe, and included. The continued support of Juneteenth reflects our dedication to championing our principles of diversity, inclusion, belonging, and anti-racism.”

As we mark our fifth (5th) year, we invite everyone to come celebrate with us. Together, let’s honor our past, embrace the present, and empower our future.

For more information about the 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration and to say up-to-date on events, please visit our website at https://www.btvreib.com/juneteenth