Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, marks the day when all enslaved individuals finally became aware of their freedom. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863, it took an additional two and a half years for the news to reach enslaved people in Texas.
This year, Keene and the Monadnock region are coming together to celebrate Juneteenth from Friday, June 14th, through Wednesday, June 19th. Join us in honoring this significant milestone in American history with a series of exciting events! Learn more and register for events at, juneteenth2024.eventive.org/welcome
Event Highlights:
- Opening of The Freedom Trail: On June 13th at noon, take a walk through history to learn about key events that have shaped the ongoing freedom journey of Black Americans. The trail will be open at the Y and in the window fronts of supporting retailers on Main Street until Sunday, June 23rd. A downtown trail map will be available for download soon!
- Film Screenings: Enjoy two insightful film screenings that delve into the rich history and cultural significance of Juneteenth and the broader Black experience in America.
- Author Reading: Award-winning children’s book author Lesa Cline-Ransome will captivate audiences with a special reading.
- Musical Performance: Don’t miss a special performance by Nashville-based singer/songwriter Crys Matthews, whose powerful music will resonate with the spirit of the occasion.
- Community Supper: Come together with friends and neighbors for a delicious community supper, fostering a sense of unity and celebration.
- Central Square Celebration: Join us at Central Square for a joyous gathering, filled with music, food, and activities for all ages.
Let’s celebrate freedom and honor the legacy of Juneteenth together!
Advancing Equity in the Monadnock Region with MDEIB Coalition
The Monadnock Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Coalition (MDEIB) is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment in the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire. By uniting individuals and organizations, we strive to make our community a place where everyone, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), can thrive.
MDEIB partners with community members, local businesses (including Monadnock Food Co-op), and institutions to:
- Promote Diversity: We celebrate and encourage diversity in all its forms, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.
- Create Meaningful Community Engagement: Through various initiatives and events, we foster connections and understanding among community members.
- Build an Inclusive Foundation: Our efforts are aimed at creating a supportive environment for people of all races, sexual identities, genders, and abilities.
The Monadnock Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Coalition (MDEIB) was established in the summer of 2021, inspired by the City of Keene’s Racial Justice and Community Safety Report published on March 18, 2021. This report served as a vital, actionable foundation for the Coalition’s efforts.
From the outset, two key elements for success were identified:
- Inclusivity of Stakeholders: To truly succeed, the MDEIB Coalition needed to be a genuine “coalition” that included voices from all sectors of the community.
- Regional Initiative: Recognizing that this important work cannot be confined to the boundaries of any single town, the Coalition aimed to encompass the entire Monadnock Region.
The MDEIB Coalition has since formed as a committee of the Keene Family YMCA, with its Board of Directors approving the charter and commissioning the Coalition to advance its mission. This partnership ensures a robust support system for our ongoing work in promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging throughout the region. Learn more about the MDEIB Coalition at, keeneymca.org/mdeib/
Celebrating the Monadnock Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Coalition (MDEIB)
We are thrilled to congratulate the Monadnock Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Coalition (MDEIB) on receiving the 2024 NHBSR Partnership for Innovation Award!
This prestigious award highlights the dynamic collaboration between the Savings Bank of Walpole and the Keene Family YMCA, whose joint efforts have propelled the MDEIB into a significant force for advancing DEI initiatives throughout the Monadnock region.
The MDEIB truly embodies the essence of the Partnership for Innovation Award. Recognized for their cooperative efforts and remarkable progress on a sustainability initiative, they have achieved what might not have been possible otherwise. Their creative approaches and tangible results are an inspiration to business leaders across New Hampshire, encouraging them to take meaningful action in their own communities.
Congratulations once again to the MDEIB for this well-deserved recognition!
