Scenes from Ujima's 2025 We Create the World: A Juneteenth Celebration

On June 19, 2025, over 5,000 people gathered across Boston to celebrate We Create the World, our annual Juneteenth celebration. Hosted by the Boston Ujima Project and our incredible partners at ICA/Boston and the Museum of African American History, this year’s celebration spanned two locations bound by water, memory, and movement: the Seaport and Beacon Hill.

Beacon Hill | Museum of African American History

There is a sacred weight to gathering on the steps of the African Meeting House. Built in 1806 by free Black Bostonians, it remains one of the oldest Black churches in the country—a site of strategy, worship, and organizing. From that foundation, and just blocks from the harbor, we opened the day with a Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony, surrounded by elders, children, artists, and neighbors. The Boston Public Quartet filled the space with resonant strings and freedom songs, while Cornell Coley led an energetic drum circle.

Families participated in story time, face painting, and kids’ art activities, while others joined the Underground Railroad Walking Tour, retracing the steps of Black fugitives and freedom-seekers who made their way through Boston. In a powerful movement offering, the Haus of Glitter led a participatory dance workshop, moving bodies and spirits across generations.

We were proud to feature a group of local Black vendors on-site, including House Of Seven Cafe & Bakery, CrownBox Gifts, LLC, SAHMCreative, The Chocolate Project, Your Best Thing, and Gourmet Fingerz. From handmade gifts to gourmet eats, they offered nourishment for the body and the spirit.

Seaport | ICA/Boston

At the ICA, our presence along the waterfront felt like both reclamation and reimagining. In a neighborhood that has rapidly transformed under the weight of development, we carved out space for community, creativity, and care. All day, the museum was filled with the sounds, smells, textures, and visions of Black possibility.

Our curated film program featured experimental works by Black artists including Faith Couch, Kima Hibbert, Kearra Amaya Gopee, Rodney Passé, Rai Terry, and Thrill Productions. The courtyard pulsed with rhythm throughout the day, thanks to an incredible lineup of DJs and performers. DJ Rayvino, DJ mez.wave, Miranda Rae, and KEI brought us from R&B grooves to high-energy house music.

Our afternoon workshops invited hands-on participation and reflection. Gabriel Johnson and Niara Hightower led a zine-making session for youth and adults that turned ideas into handmade publications. Chanelle John guided participants through (Re)Centering Joy, a somatic and grounding practice, while Taina Vargas shared practices in herbalism that connected Black healing traditions to the land and to the body. Later in the day, Midas.BKS hosted a screenprinting workshop, where visitors had the opportunity to print tote bags and personal items.

Outside the museum, the Black-owned marketplace buzzed with activity. This year’s vendors included 2 Birds No Stones, Clothes by Tomo, Earth To Arifa, Emerald City Plant Shop, Saraphym’s Blessings, Sankofa Anacaona Botanicals, The Darkest Healing, The Jewelry Bar, and Gourmet Fingerz. 

Documentation & Gratitude

Deep thanks to Midas B.K.S Productions, GUTTA, Nicole da Silva, and Tailyn Clark for capturing the beauty, brilliance, and energy of the day across both sites. To our production partners, Alfred of AGE Co., Therlande, and Mar of SIDEPRESENTS, thank you for supporting the behind-the-scenes magic with precision and presence. To our volunteer crew: Mark, Aparna, Yusuf, Nathaniel Wong, Mathias, Ermias, Luna, Athena, Yelli, Kaliab, Hanna, Aydin, and Claudia, thank you for your warmth, hustle, and care. To our staff team: Geo, Nia, Cierra, Kamaria, Rei, JaNoah, and Alula, your vision and labor made this day possible. And finally, we thank our wonderful communities who traveled from near and far to enjoy the day with us!