June 20, 2023 by Laura Winters
Photos by Dan Leahy
In a spirited display of unity, hundreds of revelers congregated at the picturesque Hingham Harbor Bandstand on Freedom Day to honor the historic Juneteenth celebrations at the Hingham Unity Council’s Third Annual Juneteenth Celebration. The day was brimming with festivities that promised – and delivered – family fun for all.
The harbor came alive with the soulful melodies of live music provided by Sympli Whitney, musical entertainment from artist and event committee member and emcee Daniel Laurent, a moving rendition of the Black National Anthem by gospel artist Rakeem Andre, and an unforgettable African drum performance by Niko Fallou from the renowned Moussa Traore troupe, who also offered some lessons to the younger folks after he performed. The performances were sponsored by a generous grant from the Hingham Arts Alliance. The attendees also heard moving blessings from Cantor Steven Weiss, Cantor and Director of Education at Congregation Sha’aray Shalom in Hingham and Rev. Julian K. Fredie, Jr., who was born and raised in Hingham and is now the Deacon of The Parish of All Saints-Ashmont in Dorchester. The presenters and performers served as a poignant reminder of the struggles, resilience, and victories that Juneteenth signifies.
The younger attendees were not left out of the fun, with a kids’ bounce house obstacle course, face painting by 2023 Hingham High grad Ruby Fernandes and some of her friends, and balloon creations by Kimberly Williams of a Dawning Experience being the order of the day. Laughter and gleeful shouts echoed across the harbor as children enjoyed the festive activities, embodying the spirit of freedom that the day was all about.
Adding flavor to the event were the tantalizing aromas wafting from local favorites, Morrell’s BBQ and Dominican’s Chimis. Attendees were treated to a feast for their taste buds, the delicious menu amplifying the enjoyment of the day.
To foster artistic expression among the youth, the organizers had arranged a Student Artistic Expression Contest. As the day rolled on, the announcement of the contest winners was made andmet with cheers from the crowd. The winners were James Canavale (visual art, Foster School), Claire Sullivan (Poem, HMS) and Declan Kelley (poem, HHS). Their winning entries will be displayed on a bulletin board near the Board of Health office at Town Hall starting soon and on the Hingham Unity Council website (hinghamunity.org). The Juneteenth celebration at Hingham Harbor was more than just an event; it was an experience – an inclusive community get-together that brought families, friends, and strangers from across the South Shore and beyond together in a shared space of remembrance, respect, joy, and, above all, freedom. This day served as a vibrant reminder of our collective past and the communal strength that lies in unity and shared celebration. As the sun set on the harbor, it left behind warm hearts and the hope of many more such inclusive celebrations in the years to come.