Food and justice were on the menu at the third annual Taste of Juneteenth on Sunday.

Juneteenth became a federal holiday just a few years ago, on June 19, 2021, and ever since events around the Island to commemorate the day have grown.

Juneteenth on the Vineyard arrives next week with a full schedule of community, culinary and academic events to celebrate the holiday.

Beginning with the arrival of the Amistad into Vineyard Haven harbor Thursday through a gospel brunch in Edgartown on Monday, the Vineyard celebrated Juneteenth with joy and reverence.

Weekend Juneteenth events continue, including tours of the Amistad, a replica of the historic vessel that was the setting of a slave revolt in 1839. The cultural festival, originally scheduled for Saturday in the Tabernacle is now at Union Chapel, beginning at 3 p.m.

When the Amistad schooner sails into Vineyard Haven harbor on June 16, it will bring with it a story of oppression and triumph, of enslavement and freedom.