Milford Juneteenth celebration features local singers, DJ Sonja Denise and poet Silent Quill
June 21, 2026 | Milford School District, School Districts, Connecticut
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Milford’s 7th annual Juneteenth celebration blended ceremonial observance with community entertainment, featuring a crowd sing-along, DJ-hosted games, vendor booths and several live performances.
Organizers encouraged the audience to join a performance of 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' and distributed printed lyrics so attendees could sing along. Sonja Denise, who introduced herself as the event MC and DJ, said she had worked as a radio personality and would run musical trivia and dance challenges to keep the crowd engaged: “So my name is Sonja Denise … I'm your MC and DJ for the day.”
A highlight of the program was an extended spoken-word set by Silent Quill, who introduced himself and performed multiple pieces including 'Journey,' 'Play,' 'I Sit By You,' 'Stay In Touch' and 'Who Am I?'. His poems ranged from reflections on family and music to candid recollections of homelessness and the creative journey; at one point he told the crowd, “You’re a survivor, and that's beautiful.”
Organizers also promoted vendor tables, on-site merchandise and a Milford Juneteenth logo contest; sponsors mentioned included Renewal by Andersen and Milford Bank. Event hosts said there would be additional festivities later in the evening, including a dance challenge and a promised fireworks display.
The afternoon combined ceremonial recognition with arts and community-building activities, and concluded with hosts encouraging attendees to visit vendor tables and take part in contests and raffles.
Organizers encouraged the audience to join a performance of 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' and distributed printed lyrics so attendees could sing along. Sonja Denise, who introduced herself as the event MC and DJ, said she had worked as a radio personality and would run musical trivia and dance challenges to keep the crowd engaged: “So my name is Sonja Denise … I'm your MC and DJ for the day.”
A highlight of the program was an extended spoken-word set by Silent Quill, who introduced himself and performed multiple pieces including 'Journey,' 'Play,' 'I Sit By You,' 'Stay In Touch' and 'Who Am I?'. His poems ranged from reflections on family and music to candid recollections of homelessness and the creative journey; at one point he told the crowd, “You’re a survivor, and that's beautiful.”
Organizers also promoted vendor tables, on-site merchandise and a Milford Juneteenth logo contest; sponsors mentioned included Renewal by Andersen and Milford Bank. Event hosts said there would be additional festivities later in the evening, including a dance challenge and a promised fireworks display.
The afternoon combined ceremonial recognition with arts and community-building activities, and concluded with hosts encouraging attendees to visit vendor tables and take part in contests and raffles.
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