Second Annual New England Summit of State-Elected Officials Honoring Juneteenth

CONTACT: Caroline Larangeira, Office of Senator Lydia Edwards: caroline.larangeira@masenate.gov 

(BOSTON, MA - June 12, 2025) – New England state elected officials will gather Friday, June 20th at the Massachusetts State House and Museum of African American History for the Second Annual Juneteenth Summit, a regional event focused on celebrating Black freedom, leadership, and collective action in government. This year’s summit will bring together legislators and civic leaders from across the region to honor Juneteenth and build community around shared priorities.

This year’s summit, sponsored by Meet Boston, the New Commonwealth Fund, and the NAACP Massachusetts State Conference, will bring together legislators and civic leaders to honor Juneteenth and deepen regional collaboration around shared policy priorities. Members of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC) will participate throughout the day and co-host a special evening dinner alongside the Museum of African American History. 

The day will begin with an opening program open to the press, featuring a keynote address from Rashaan Hall, President and CEO of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts. Following the opening, the summit will transition into a closed-door 11:00 AM icebreaker and dialogue session, designed to foster meaningful conversations among elected leaders. A working lunch will follow, along with breakout discussions on an array of topics such as partnerships with advocates, environmental racism, immigration, education, and more.

The summit will conclude with a community dinner reception at the Museum of African American History—celebrating the day’s discussions and honoring Juneteenth.

The collaborative environment of the summit will allow officials to analyze existing policies, celebrate successes, identify areas for improvement, and forge new paths forward through shared legislation.

State Senator Lydia Edwards emphasized, “This summit is both a reflection on the legacy of Juneteenth and a bold step toward unity and progress for the Black and Brown community. By continuing this tradition, we’re honoring our history and paving the way for our future. This summit is about learning from one another, uplifting our progress, and moving together through challenges.”

“Juneteenth calls on us to reflect, to celebrate, and to recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of justice and equality, especially in the face of those who would seek to roll it back,” said State Representative Andy Vargas. “It reminds us that for many, freedom is something that has not been passively granted: it has been hard-won, and it must be constantly protected. That is why it is so important for us to continue to recognize and celebrate this day in Massachusetts and across the country.”

The event builds on the momentum of last year’s inaugural gathering, deepening inter-state collaboration on policy priorities impacting Black and Brown communities, and recognizing Juneteenth as a time of reflection, action, and celebration.

Media Information:Press are welcome to attend the opening program, lunch, dinner and breakout sessions. Media availability will be paused prior to the 11:00 AM private session.

For additional press inquiries or RSVP details, please contact caroline.larangeira@masenate.gov.

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