ABOUT US
Black Visioning in Maine
Juneteenth Downeast exists to give people of the African diaspora a place to connect, and opportunities to replenish that which was taken away. Whether through connection to the land, the water, to resources or to each other. May we find through this commemoration ways to be true to ourselves, our history, and our Heritage. May we find ways to nourish who we are amidst that which is the best of us.
Our Advisory Board, composed primarily of Black members, meets weekly to develop a shared vision and roadmap for what we aim to accomplish now and in the future.
The Juneteenth Downeast Implementation Group itself is composed of members that are Black, White, Latine, disabled, LGBTQ+, live mostly in rural communities and span all income levels. In order to center Black voices most effectively and meaningfully, the group adopted an Agreement that includes the following language:
"We are a Downeast community coalition organizing the annual commemoration of Juneteenth in the Ellsworth/MDI area, guided by the vision and leadership of Black members of our coalition."