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.
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.
B.A.S.E.S. - Stretch Class with Ms. Hanan Hameen the Lupie-Licious Warrior
Hanan Hameen with Live Music by DJ Thematics
B.A.S.E.S. is a wellness experience for rejuvenation, circulation, mental clarity, and increased /extreme flexibility geared towards all levels and abilities.
Juneteenth Yoga for Black Reclamation
Practice research-based breathing techniques, yoga poses and meditations that address some of the specific stress and anxiety that feels inescapable, accompanied by hip hop, trap music, jazz, afrobeats, and binaural beats.
Guinea Dance with Live African Drumming
With Aicha Camara
Traditional dances from Guinea with live drumming.
South African Traditional and Pantsula Dance, Live From South Africa
With Portia Ncwane
A two-part class focusing on the culture of South Africa; specifically, the Zulu Tribe through traditional Zulu dancing and music.