06/19/2025
Honoring Juneteenth: Black Hospitality & Community in Portland, Maine
On Juneteenth, we celebrate freedom, resilience, and the rich legacy of Black Mainers whose stories have shaped our communities—including right here in Portland.
Did you know the Abyssinian Meeting House (built in 1828) is the third-oldest African American meeting house in the U.S.? More than a church, it was a vibrant hub for abolition, education, and gatherings—offering hospitality, safety, and community during times of adversity.
We also honor pioneers like Reuben Ruby, a Black entrepreneur who ran Ruby’s Hack, a stagecoach and carriage service in 1800s Portland. His business not only provided essential transportation but also created welcoming spaces for Black Mainers and travelers—at a time when hospitality and inclusion weren’t guaranteed.
Today, Portland’s Black-owned restaurants, bakeries, and food businesses keep this tradition alive, creating spaces of warmth, culture, and connection.
On October 15, 1834,Reuben Ruby joined nearly 90 prominent white men from all over the state as a delegate to the first Maine Anti-Slavery Society convention in Augusta. By this time, Ruby owned several carriages as part of his taxi business and had been getting more involved with movements for progressive reform.
To learn more about Reuben Ruby and Portland’s rich Black History, visit our friends Amjambo Africa for more info! (We've linked to one of their educational articles in our stories!)
This Juneteenth, let’s remember the Black Mainers who paved the way, support Black-owned hospitality businesses, fight injustice, and continue building a more inclusive community—one welcoming table at a time.
Have a favorite Black-owned business or restaurant in Maine? Give them a shoutout below to spread awareness and love today!🗣️
