Juneteenth 2020
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free (two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation). The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order; but with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance. Learn more about Juneteenth here.
Sponsored by the Mayor's Neighborhood Vitality Grant Program.
Open Level African Drumming
With Brother Brian Jarawa Gray of KCPAC
African drumming for all levels, ages, families, and children. Come join Brother Jarawa as he shares his love and knowledge of percussion instruments from the African diaspora.
African Zumba
With Shyana Broughton, Founder of Our Mommy Village in Buffalo, NY
Join certified Zumba fitness instructor in a fun-filled class that combines West African and Zumba!
Visions of a People Performances, June 20
With Ya'ikobi, Chaz as Bobby Seale, Strange Fruit and Hanan Hameen
Expressions of the visions of democracy, freedom, resilience, protest, and celebration by some of our instructors and New Haven artists in acknowledgement of the 50th anniversary of the Black Panther Party.
Juneteenth Dance Party
With DJ That Dana Game and DJ Kaos the Main Event
Juneteenth Celebration Dance Party featuring DJ That Dana Game and DJ Kaos the Main Event. Put on a nice outfit, join us on Zoom, and let's celebrate our emancipation to music from across the African diaspora.
AfroBeat Fitness with Tamara Jones
This class promotes losing weight, increases stamina, widens flexibility, and improves your knowledge of Afrobeat movement.
Sabar Drums with Modou Diagne Live from Kaolack, Senegal
Prepare your sticks and your drums because we will learn the history of Senegalese culture through these notes of Sabar.
West African Dance from Mali with Abdoulaye Koita
Open level west African dance exploring the technique and rich culture of Mali.
GymJAM with Rein
Reina Pelle
We JAM out to Antiguan Soca while sweating, toning, & keeping your stamina up.
Juneteenth Opening Ceremony, June 19
A Juneteenth opening ceremony beginning with libation is followed by a tribute to local Juneteenth Elders, an address by National Juneteenth Representative, and local performances in the form of historical reenactments, music, dance and a Mayoral proclamation to this year's Elder Honoree, musician Hank Bolden.
African Dance Fitness Fusion Class with Earl Ali
Learn traditional African movement along with Hip Hop movements while having a fun workout.