WHEN: June 2025
Please reach out to communications@embraceboston.org if you have any questions
The Embrace Ideas Festival is a yearly celebration of ideas grounded in arts, culture and public scholarship. This multi-day gathering brings together local, state and national leaders to amplify anti-racism and a vision for a transformed Boston by 2030. Rooted in racial equity, healing, well-being, and joy, the theme of Embrace Ideas 2024, occurring June 18-21, is “Inspiring the Resistance: Building a Culture of Repair for the Origins of our Discontent.”
Our annual Fest is intentionally wrapped around Juneteenth. Juneteenth is an essential holiday that we uplift for those who have long celebrated it, and invite those who may not have had the opportunity yet to help us build a new tradition for how we celebrate Black liberation together.
Agenda
Embrace Honors Awards, Tuesday, June 18, 2024 6pm-8pm
- The Embrace Honors Awards are presented in tribute to the tireless work of remarkable individuals who are committed to a more equitable city for all. Embrace Boston will commemorate exemplary civic, business, and community leaders at the Embrace Ideas Festival: Embrace Honors on the evening of June 18, 2024.
Embrace Juneteenth Concert, Wednesday, June 19, 2024 10:30am-12:30pm
- Join us for our third annual Juneteenth Concert at The Embrace! Musical ensembles across the city will set the celebratory tone for us as we honor the national holiday and historical importance of Juneteenth. The Concert will conclude with a reception.
Keynote Luncheon Conversation with Isabel Wilkerson, Thursday, June 20, 2024 12pm-2pm
- Isabel Wilkerson will discuss the Intersection of Juneteenth and Caste System.
Keynote Luncheon Conversation with Marcus Samuelsson & Jeneé Osterheldt, Friday, June 21, 2024 12pm-2pm
- Jeneé Osterheldt brings A Beautiful Resistance to Embrace Ideas once again, as she sits down with renowned chef and Top Chef judge, Marcus Samuelsson. The event will conclude with a VS Lunch Experience, where two local chefs will battle for the best cuisine!
Embrace Boston's Juneteenth Block Party, Friday, June 21, 2024 2pm-8pm
- The Embrace Ideas Block Party is set to commemorate artistic expression with an exhilarating gathering, featuring top-tier turntablists from the city. It promises an evening brimming with joy, filled with dance, music, a sense of community, and delectable cuisine served by the finest BIPOC-owned food trucks in the area.
Embrace Memorial Tours
- We will be hosting Embrace Memorial Tours tours throughout the Embrace Ideas Festival.
Tour Schedule
- Thursday June 20th, 11am-12pm & 2pm-3pm
- Friday June 21st, 11am-12pm
Important things to know before the Embrace Ideas Festival 2024:
- Age and health restrictions: our event series are suitable for people of all ages.
- Accessibility: our venues are wheelchair accessible and all guests requesting ADA accommodations should contact us at communications@embraceboston.org.
