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.
Intro to African Dance for Children and Families
With Sharon Dickey of KCPAC
All children and families are welcome to join Sharon to learn basic African dance moves.
Storytelling with Genese Clark, June 20
Author of Suddenly I Found It
A read along for children and families to enjoy.
Cooking Class, June 20
With Tennille Murphy, Founder of Kidz Kook Association
Join Tennille Murphy presents a cooking class centered around parts of the traditional Juneteenth meal and discusses how soul food originated.
Sabar Dance and Drumming, Live From Senegal
With dancer Baidy Ba and drummer Modou Diagne
An introduction to Sabar technique, rhythm, and culture of Senegal, based on the deep history of the Kaolack region. Participants will learn important basic fundamentals of Sabar before going in depth.
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.