The Berlin Equity Action Team’s 2nd Annual Juneteenth celebration will be held Saturday, June 17 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Berlin-Peck Memorial Library.

The Berlin Equity Action Team (B.E.A.T.) has partnered with Wide Awake Films to produce a documentary capturing the untold heroism of Connecticut’s Black soldiers during the American Civil War. The short film depicts the story of the 29th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, which included soldiers from Berlin’s early Black community.

These Berlin residents contributed to the Union Army’s ultimate victory and went on to spread the message of freedom to enslaved people in Texas on the original Juneteenth in 1865.

Along with the premiere of the documentary film, B.E.A.T.’s Juneteenth celebration will include keynote speaker Jeffrey Fletcher, who will discuss the lives and experiences of African Americans in Connecticut from their earliest arrival; and a presentation by the Connecticut Historical Society called “Amistad and Beyond.”

Also, a musical performance by the group Nzinga’s Daughters will shine a light on the Underground Railroad and its unique connection to Berlin. 

Food and refreshments will be available at the library gathering, along with a lantern-making craft table. 

For more information about the Berlin Equity Action Team’s 2nd Annual Juneteenth celebration, visit berlinpeck.org.