Juneteenth 2020 coincides with a pandemic within a pandemic: the challenge of COVID-19 and America’s reckoning with its history of racism. Black Lives Matter.

Beyond the renewal of an iconic monument, we partners seek to educate, inform, and convene community conversations and special programs exploring history, race, and social justice. We hope these dialogues will lead to greater understanding — and ultimately social change which is long overdue. 

Register for the event

Visit the website for more information about the Restoration of the Shaw 54th Regiment Memorial on Boston Common.

With his new book "Stay", acclaimed poet, artist, and bestselling memoirist Nick Flynn presents a self-portrait via many topics that have circled his work. Ranging from the impact of suicide and homelessness to addiction, political engagement, and the vital power of artistic friendships, "Stay" is a mixed-media retrospective that shows nothing is created in isolation. 

The event will also feature performances by tK (Thalia Zedek, Heather Kapplow, and Phil Milstein), as well as a reading by City of Boston Youth Poet Laureate Alondra Bobadilla.

Refreshments will be provided. For more information, please contact erika.butler@boston.gov.

You will learn about the history of acrobatics in China, which goes back more than 2,000 years, and some basic Chinese phrases. Li performs hand balances, plate spinning, ribbon dancing, diabolos, and foot juggling. A limited number of young volunteers get to join her to create an impromptu ribbon dance, and also to try their hand at plate spinning. 

Funding for this program was made possible by the Highland Street Foundation.

We will celebrate the much-beloved trickster spider who has brought joy to many generations through interactive stories, games, and songs. 

Funding for this program was made possible by the Highland Street Foundation.

Create with us in a judgment-free zone! 

• Bring your own materials (except oil paints and solvents) and practice art, or work on your project. 
• Meet other budding artists and neighbors, get better at what you do, finish that project, or focus on creating to get you through a New England winter.
• Free for members. Annual membership is $30 for adults, $15 for ages 55+, and allows you to use any BCYF community center. Fees paid by money order made out to the City of Boston. 

The event will take place in Rabb Hall at the Central Branch of the Boston Public Library. Poet Laureate Porsha Olayiwola will read alongside several youth participants, and one will be named the City's first-ever Youth Poet Laureate. The event is free and open to the public.

Come celebrate the season at the annual BCYF Girls Night Holiday Event featuring entertainment, refreshments, prizes, and ornament making.

Contact Erika.Butler@boston.gov to RSVP or for more information. Space is limited to 50.