Juneteenth: Community, Honor, and Observance

Juneteenth officially became an American federal holiday called “National Independence Day” by President Joseph Biden. Juneteenth, which is both a day of solemn reflection and remembrance, and one that commemorates emancipation, June 19, 1865: the date when the last enslaved people in the Confederacy were notified of their freedom following the Civil War.
The Town of Rye, which is home to one of the area’s most important Black History sites, The Rye African-American Cemetery, once again honors the memory of our forebears with its fourth annual event of service and spoken word at the cemetery, on Saturday, June 28, 2026, beginning at 10 am.

Registration info to come.

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THE SERVICE PROJECT:

A cleanup of the Historic Rye African-American Cemetery. Heritage Consultants will also be placing grave markers on the graves discovered during their study. Details to come.

Service hours are available for this project.

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WHEN:

Saturday, June 28, 2026

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WHERE:

AFRICAN AMERICAN CEMETERY
215 North Street, Town of Rye, NY
(in the Greenwood Union Cemetery)

It is highly recommended that participants wear outdoor work gloves and bring any of the following items with them to help with clean-up work:

  • Rakes
  • Shovels
  • Outdoor Broom
  • Outdoor Working Gloves

* It is important that you dress appropriately. Be sure to wear layers if necessary, thick socks, and closed-toe shoes.

* Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

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If you have a service form you would like filled out, please email it to Councilperson Pam Jaffee at PJaffee@TownofRyeNY.com.

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