On Saturday, April 18, eighty people showed up to Spinelli’s Function Hall in Peabody — dressed sharp, hearts open — for the North Shore Juneteenth Association’s annual Hats, Heels, Bow Ties, & Blazers Tea. And what unfolded over that afternoon was exactly what happens when an organization puts as much intention into building community as it does into celebrating it.
Guests in bow ties and fascinators outdoors at the North Shore Juneteenth Tea, Peabody, MA, April 18, 2026.
This year’s theme was “Blazing the Trail,” and the room matched the energy. Local elected officials, state representatives, congressional candidates, and community leaders from across the North Shore filled the space alongside neighbors, advocates, and supporters who’ve been riding with NSJA since the beginning. Live jazz from Upper Room Entertainment set the tone. Big Brotha Sadi delivered a spoken word performance that hit. Eva Davenport’s vocals moved the room. It was culture, live and in full color.
But here’s the thing — the Tea isn’t just an event. It’s a mirror of what the North Shore Juneteenth Association does every single day.
What Happened at the 2026 NSJA Tea?
The North Shore Juneteenth Association’s Hats, Heels, Bow Ties, & Blazers Tea is a signature annual gathering that brings together civic leaders, community members, and cultural advocates for an afternoon of music, keynote speakers, and connection. The 2026 event at Spinelli’s Function Hall in Peabody welcomed 80 attendees, including local elected officials, state representatives, and congressional candidates. Notable sponsors included the Peabody Essex Museum, Lynn Cultural Council, Mass Cultural Council, EDIC Lynn, BOS Legal Group, and Reading Cooperative Bank.
Who Was the Keynote Speaker at the NSJA Blazing the Trail Tea?
The keynote was delivered by Tanisha Sullivan, President of the NAACP‘s New England Area Conference and former President of the Boston Branch. Sullivan has spent her career advancing justice, equity, and civic engagement across Massachusetts and New England — and her message hit the room right where it needed to.
She spoke about stepping forward. About leading boldly. About creating pathways for those who come next. In a room full of people already doing that work, it landed less like a call to action and more like a confirmation: you’re on the right path, keep going.
Why Does the North Shore Juneteenth Association Matter Year-Round?
It would be easy to think of the North Shore Juneteenth Association as the organization behind the Juneteenth celebrations each June. And those celebrations are powerful. But NSJA’s work spans the entire calendar — youth initiatives, community-based programming, cultural education, and events like this Tea that bring people together around a shared purpose.
“This event is a reflection of the intention we bring to building community,” said Nicole McClain, founder and president of NSJA. “We are creating spaces that not only celebrate culture, but also inspire action, connection, and continued growth.”
That word — intention — is the thread that runs through everything NSJA does. Creating awareness about the Juneteenth holiday. Educating the broader community about positive aspects of Black American culture and the African diaspora. Dismantling racism through inclusive events, education, and real programming that meets people where they are. None of that happens by accident. It happens because Nicole and her team build it on purpose, all year long.
Guests with sponsor gift bags at the North Shore Juneteenth Tea, Peabody, MA, April 18, 2026.
What Makes This Event Important for the North Shore Community?
Nicole McClain is a Creative Collective member, and her work with NSJA is a perfect example of what happens when community builders put down roots and keep showing up. The North Shore is stronger because organizations like NSJA exist — not just during heritage months or awareness weeks, but in the steady, year-round work of connection, education, and cultural celebration.
The sponsors who showed up — Peabody Essex Museum, Lynn Cultural Council, Mass Cultural Council, EDIC Lynn, BOS Legal Group, Reading Cooperative Bank — understand that too. This is what real community investment looks like: resources flowing toward the people doing the work, not just the events that get the headlines.
How to Support the North Shore Juneteenth Association
The North Shore Juneteenth Association isn’t slowing down. If you want to support their mission, join as a member, attend their events, or simply learn more about the work they’re doing across the North Shore, here’s where to find them:
Website: nsjuneteenth.com
Email: nsjuneteenth@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/nsjuneteenth
Instagram: instagram.com/nsjuneteenth
And if you’re a community builder doing this kind of work — the kind that doesn’t stop when the event is over — we see you. That’s exactly who Creative Collective was built for.
This story comes from the Creative Collective community — Essex County businesses who believe when we thrive together, our whole region becomes more vibrant. We’re entrepreneurs, creators, and service providers across all industries, collaborating to build the community we want to be part of. If you see your business as more than just commerce — as a way to contribute to our regional ecosystem — you belong here. Discover how to join our community →
North Shore Juneteenth Association | Cultural Education & Community Events
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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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