This powerful spoken word performance by Michelle LaPoetica was captured at the North Shore Juneteenth Association‘s elegant “Hats, Heels, Bow Ties, & Blazers Tea” held on May 3rd, 2025 at the historic Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, MA.
About the Event
The Tea brought together community members dressed in their finest attire for an afternoon of inspiration, connection, and celebration. The event featured keynote speaker Gail Jackson-Blount, musical performances by Ashanti Eva Davenport, and engaging panel discussions with community leaders on building collective power.
About Michelle LaPoetica
Michelle LaPoetica is a dynamic Dominican-American poet, spoken word artist, and creative based in Lynn, Massachusetts. As the founder of #DENCITY, she dedicates her work to amplifying underrepresented voices and building community through arts. Michelle identifies herself as a daughter, mother, woman, poet, and creative soul deeply committed to her craft and community.
Why Juneteenth Matters
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865—the day enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas finally learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The North Shore Juneteenth Association transforms this historical awareness into present-day action through educational programs, community-building events, and cultural programming that dismantles racism through increased understanding.
About North Shore Juneteenth Association
Founded in 2017 by Nicole McClain, the North Shore Juneteenth Association Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization led by dedicated community leaders working to create awareness about the Juneteenth holiday, educate communities about positive aspects of Black American culture, and use events and programming as tools to dismantle racism. Based in Lynn, Massachusetts, the organization has become an important voice for commemorating Juneteenth and promoting Black history and achievement throughout the North Shore area.
Support the North Shore Juneteenth Association
Your support enables the Association to continue its vital work:
- Educational programs teaching K-8 students about Juneteenth
- Community events fostering dialogue across diverse groups
- Celebration of Black excellence throughout the North Shore
- Youth engagement initiatives inspire the next generation of leaders
To learn more or donate, visit: https://north-shore-juneteenth-assoc.constantcontactsites.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nsjuneteenth/
North Shore Juneteenth Association | Cultural Education & Community Events
View their Member Listing
The mission of The North Shore Juneteenth Association is a group of community leaders seeking to create awareness about the Juneteenth holiday, educate the broader community about positive aspects of African American culture, and dismantle racism by using events and programming as a tool for change.
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