Juneteenth Sails on Lake Champlain
Since 2021, Juneteenth Sails has offered Black Vermonters a space to breathe, reflect, and celebrate liberation—together, on the waters of Lake Champlain. What began as a vision between All Heart Inspirations and Whistling Man Schooner Co. has blossomed into an annual tradition rooted in joy, healing, and cultural pride.
This event is a gift to our local Black community—offered at no cost and powered by the collective generosity of our village. Each year, proceeds also support a Black-led Vermont organization doing powerful work all year long. In 2025, we’re proud to uplift the Richard Kemp Center.
You're invited to join us: to give, to amplify, to Sail It Forward.
“Manifesting Black joy is our collective responsibility.” -Ferene Paris
Curated by Ferene Paris, a local storytelling artist, Juneteenth Sails is brought to life through heartfelt vision and community connection.
Video and photography by Isora Lithgow Creations.
Let’s Sail.
Do you identify as Black, African American, part of the African diaspora, or of African descent? Join us as we sail together and build connection through storytelling. We're offering multiple trips from June 17th to June 19th.
Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each participant may register for one trip and include one guest (maximum).
Donate.
This annual celebration is made possible by the generosity of our magical village. Your donations and sponsorships don’t just make Juneteenth Sails happen—they fuel joy, healing, and community connection.
We invite you to learn more about our story, and if you feel moved, help us reach our $14,000 goal. Together, we can Sail It Forward—toward liberation, legacy, and lasting impact.
Celebrate.
Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865 — the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a celebration of liberation, culture, and the ongoing fight for justice.
Juneteenth Sails
Since 1996, Whistling Man Schooner Co. has offered unforgettable sailing experiences on Lake Champlain to the Burlington community and beyond.
In honor of Juneteenth, we proudly collaborate to host three days of sailing excursions designed specifically for Black Vermonters—offering a space for joy, reflection, and connection on the water.
What’s included:
A gentle 2-hour sail across Lake Champlain
A Black community host to guide the vibe and hold the space
Storytelling sparks to invite connection, if you wish
Local refreshments + raffles for our guests
This is a 21+ experience, with 5 to 10 guests per sail to keep things intimate and cozy.
Feel free to bring your own snacks and sips—whatever brings you ease.
Welcome Aboard the Friend Ship and Wild Rose
These events are intended for Black Vermont residents (21+) Please sign up for only one sail date so we can welcome as many community members as possible. Much appreciation!
Tuesday, June 17
Wednesday, June 18
Thursday, June 19
Why sailing?
“My first sail with WMSC left me in awe—it felt like a reintroduction to Lake Champlain. I'm beyond grateful for the chance to host our Black community on these whimsical vessels and uplift our collective stories.”
— Ferene Paris, Founder of All Heart Inspirations
Donating.
This celebration is made possible through collective care and generosity. Every contribution brings us closer to our goal of raising $14,000—allowing us to treat over 60 Black Vermonters to a joyful and healing Juneteenth sail across Lake Champlain.
Your support helps us:
Compensate Black community members who host and guide each sail
Provide light refreshments and meaningful touches of hospitality
Fund outreach and promotional efforts to reach our community
Make a generous donation to the Richard Kemp Center, uplifting Black wellness, youth, and cultural resilience all year long
This is more than a one-day event. It’s a movement rooted in love, reflection, and liberation.
How do I contribute monetary funds?
This event is made possible by the generosity of people like you. Every contribution—big or small—helps us offer this meaningful experience to Black residents of Vermont. You can donate via Venmo (@allheartinspirations) or simply use the button below to give through this site.
Can I provide support in other ways?
Absolutely! If you have personal or business resources that could support this event, we’d love to hear from you. Donated refreshments, raffle items, or guest giveaways are especially appreciated. Please reach out to Ferene to explore how you can contribute.
Why 14K for your goal?
Our $14,000 goal helps us do two things:
Cover the full cost of hosting Juneteenth Sails—offering a joyful, healing experience to Black Vermonters at no cost.
Support the Richard Kemp Center, a Black-led organization uplifting wellness, youth, culture, and racial justice in our community all year long.
This isn’t just about a single day of celebration—it’s about sustaining the vital work that continues long after the sail ends.
2025 SPONSORS:
Much love and gratitude to our local Vermont sponsors!
ABOUT JUNETEENTH
Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth marks the date—June 19, 1865—when the last enslaved Black people in the U.S. were finally informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
It’s a day of remembrance, reflection, and celebration of Black resilience and liberation. We invite you to learn more about Juneteenth’s powerful legacy and its place in American history—and to engage with local events that honor this ongoing journey toward justice and freedom.
BLACK LIVES STILL MATTER.
Melodie, Ferene, and Nala channeling their Black girl magic in 2020 in the wake of racial uprisings.
Juneteenth Sails is rooted in joy—but also in truth. While we gather in celebration, we remain grounded in the ongoing fight for justice and the lived realities Black communities still face in 2025.
The deaths of Amir Locke, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Daunte Wright, Ma’Khia Bryant, and far too many others are not isolated incidents. They are symptoms of systems that continue to devalue Black life.
Our commitment to Black liberation doesn’t stop at a single event. It calls us to daily, courageous action: dismantling the systems and silences that uphold racism, and investing in the organizations doing this work year-round—like the Richard Kemp Center.
“love is an action, never just a feeling” -bell hooks