An Emancipation Day Picnic :: A Great Day at Lefferts

Since the early 19th century, black communities across the nation have celebrated their culture, freedom and accomplishments with festive gatherings. In the spirit of Juneteenth, Pinkster and Homecomings, on July 1 2012 we invited folks to enjoy a supper club-style picnic featuring the work of local cooks, purveyors, artists and gardeners. A stones throw away, we enjoyed the Annual Freedom Strut at Lefferts Historic House. 

Summer in New York

I'm Free

A Freedom Pioneer

Emancipation Picnic E-Invitation 

Vintage photos of Freedom Day celebrations around the United States of America. Everyone is dressed in their best threads.

Photo Courtesy of Austin History Center, Austin Public Library

Courtesy of Austin History Center, Austin Public Library

Photograph by Richard Aloysius Twine, courtesy of the St. Augustine Historical Society and the Florida Photographic Collection

Photo Courtesy of NYPL, from Harper's Weekly, by J.M.D.

Photo Courtesy of State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory

Courtesy of State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory

Courtesy of Harris & Ewing Collection/Library of Congress

Emancipation Day Parade, Richmond, Va

Courtesy of Maryland State Archives