Looking for Juneteenth observances? Sylvester Manor offers a free 90-minute walking tour about the enslaved and free people of color who lived and toiled here, including many who were buried on the property. And, the nearby Southampton African American Museum (SAAM) hosts a two-day celebration.
Juneteenth observances at Sylvester Manor
Sylvester Manor History & Heritage Directory Donnamarie Barnes leads the tour on Saturday, June 18 starting at noon. It begins on the Manor House lawn and proceeds along trails to the Quaker Cemetery Monument and culminates at the Afro-Indigenous Burial Ground.
Sylvester Manor invites attendees to bring and leave tributes at the Burial Ground (and at any time during the long holiday weekend).
The tour, which includes about 1.5 miles of walking, isn’t recommended for children under age 12. Participants should wear footwear suitable for walking on unpaved roads and trails, and apply bug spray. Note: no pets allowed.
If you’re unable to attend the tour this weekend, additional tours of the Manor are scheduled throughout the summer. Learn more about Sylvester Manor at sylvestermanor.org.
SAAM’s Juneteenth celebration
The Southampton African American Museum at 245 North Sea Road offers a two-day celebration of Juneteenth, featuring a keynote lecture by award-winning author A’Lelia Bundles on Friday, June 17, at 6 PM.
The evening will begin with a musical performance by Dwayne Kerr, former flutist for Eryka Badu.
Bundles will discuss several generations of the extraordinary women in her family, including her great-great-grandmother, pioneering entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker.
Walker is the subject of Bundles’ biography “On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker.” A New York Times Notable Book, it served as the inspiration for the four-part Netflix series “Self Made” starring Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer.
Bundles is currently at work on “The Joy Goddess of Harlem: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance.” This biography focuses on her great-grandmother, a Harlem Renaissance icon whose parties, arts patronage and travels helped define an era. A book signing and reception will follow, sponsored by Sun River.
The SAAM celebration continues on Saturday, June 18 from noon to 5 PM, featuring Stephen Sylvester Rum Punch Mafia-Roots Rock Reggae and Halo, an all-black female barbershop a capella ensemble from Washington, DC. The day includes a discussion entitled “Race and Real Talk” and “ALL Day Juneteenth” BBQ by Heart and Soul caterers.
Learn more about the Southampton African American Museum on the nonprofit’s website, saamuseum.org.
Juneteenth closures
Town offices, the Shelter Island School, and the Shelter Island Public Library will be closed on Monday, June 19 for the Juneteenth holiday.
