EMBRACE IDEAS FESTIVAL 2025

6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

The Embrace Honors Juneteenth celebrates the unwavering commitment of remarkable individuals working to build a more just and equitable Boston. On the evening of June 18, 2025, Embrace Boston will honor exemplary leaders in civic life, business, and community impact. Join us in your all-white attire for a powerful evening of recognition and live performances rooted in the rich traditions of spiritual and gospel music curated in collaboration with White Snake Projects.

2025 Juneteenth Honorees:

• Tony Sr. & Juanita Richards
• Joseph D. Feaster, Jr. & Phyllis D. Ellison-Feaster
• Reverend Dr. Ray Hammond & Reverend Gloria White-Hammond, M.D
• Carol & Bernard Fulp
• Barbara & Amos Hostetter

For Embrace Honors Juneteenth, we are thrilled to offer a catering experience with Chef Nikia Spotts of Chef Noire, featuring a curated menu that honors the rich culinary traditions of Juneteenth.

Chef Nikia, known for her bold flavors and deep-rooted storytelling through food, will craft a soulful and celebratory spread inspired by the history and resilience of Black culture. The menu will showcase dishes that pay homage to African American heritage, blending traditional Southern flavors with a modern, elevated twist.

This one-of-a-kind dining experience will immerse guests in the cultural significance of Juneteenth while savoring the flavors of freedom, resilience, and joy. Let’s celebrate through food, storytelling, and community!

8:30 am - 9:00 am

Vibes provided by DJ Mez.Wav

9:00 am - 9:30 am

9:30 am - 10:30 am

To kick off this powerful conversation on equity, BECMA’s Chief of Policy, Alyssa Benalfew-Ramos, is joined by Segun Idowu, Boston’s Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, and Massachusetts State Senator Liz Miranda to explore how advocacy and policy can close wealth gaps, expand opportunity, and dismantle systemic barriers impacting Black communities.

10:30 am - 11:20 am

Catherine T. Morris, Founder and Executive Director of BAMS Fest; Giselle Byrd, Executive Director of Theater Offensive; and Curtis Santos, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Boston Lesbigay Urban Foundation join moderator Nakia Hill, writer, poet and journalist, to explore how arts, culture, and storytelling reclaim public spaces and celebrate Black liberation through placemaking.

11:20 am - 11:35 am

Join Melisa Valdez for two rejuvenating recharge sessions throughout the Embrace Ideas Festival program. These sessions offer a mindful space for attendees to reset, relax, and reconnect, featuring techniques to enhance mental clarity and promote personal well-being. Perfect for anyone looking to refresh and recharge during the festival.

11:35 am - 12:30 pm

Entrepreneur and cultural thought leader Morgan DeBaun, Founder and CEO of Blavity Inc., joins journalist Jeneé Osterheldt for a fireside chat on building mission-driven businesses, scaling Black innovation, and leading with purpose. DeBaun will share insights on entrepreneurship, resilience, and the future of Black leadership in media and tech.

12:30 pm - 1:00 pm

Following the fireside chat, join Morgan DeBaun for a special book signing of her new release, Rewrite Your Own Rules. Don’t miss the chance to connect and grab a signed copy!

12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Chef Nikia Spotts of Chef Noire and Chef Lambert Givens of Hunter’s go head-to-head in this year’s Embrace Chef vs. Chef Challenge. This annual three–small bites lunch tasting highlights each chef’s unique take on staple dishes from across the Black diaspora—with their spin on potato salad as the standout dish. Embrace Ideas Festival attendees will taste and vote to crown this year’s winner.

Embrace Boston is proud to partner with Racial-Equity Practitioner and Community Organizer Marcia Kimm-Jackson to recognize and honor the 2025 honorees of The Living Histories of Color Exhibition.