The BANF (BIPOC Arts & Network Fund) highlights a series of events dedicated to celebrating Juneteenth. Held annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery on June 19, 1865, Juneteenth celebrates when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War.
To honor this pivotal moment in our nation’s history, BANF highlights public events hosted by BANF grantees and awardees. These events are an invitation to support these organizations that have been central to upholding Black traditions at the birthplace of this holiday.
Nia Cultural Center
Saturday, June 1, 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Nia Cultural Center: Maud Cuney Hare – Daughter of Galveston, Citizen of the World. Learn about Galveston’s famous Cuney family and experience a work-in-progress about Maud, a pioneer and multi-hyphenate artist once known as the greatest black woman pianist of her era. Presented by Jené Watson, writer, community-engaged educator, and founder of Nsoroma Bookshelf. The event takes place at Juneteenth Legacy Project Headquarters, 2217 Strand St., Ste. 101, Galveston, TX 77550. Tickets available at https://niacultural.org/events/.
Saturday, June 8 at 7 p.m. Nia Cultural Center: Emancipation Celebration Gospel. The third installment of this hallmark event celebrating Black art, culture, and contributions since Juneteenth. Grammy Award-winning recording artist Fred Hammond and Galveston’s The Stinson Five are headlining the concert, promising an electrifying night of music and celebration. The event takes place at The Grand Opera House, 2020 Post Office St., Galveston, TX 77550. Tickets available at www.thegrand.com.
The Houston Museum of African American Culture
Wednesday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m.: The Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC): Black is… Black Ain’t, a free screening of the Marlon Riggs documentary that is an exploration and comprehensive commentary of the Black experience in America. The film traverses the country interviewing African Americans young and old, rich and poor, Northern and Southern, rural and urban, gay and straight, as they discuss the numerous, often contested definitions of Blackness. Riggs mixes performances by choreographer Bill T. Jones and poet Essex Hemphill with commentary by noted activist Angela Davis. The film screening takes place at HMAAC, 4807 Caroline St., Houston, TX 77004. https://hmaac.org.
Wednesday, June 19 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC): Embers of Freedom. Written and directed by Makaela Reed, the play presents the idea of discovering the past, present and future of Juneteenth within the flickering flames of a fire. The audience will go through a mesmerizing blend of powerful monologues, soul-stirring songs, dynamic dance, and immersive spoken word, taking a journey through history, experiencing the struggles and triumphs that shape the enduring quest for freedom and equality. The play will be presented at HMAAC, 4807 Caroline St., Houston, TX 77004. https://hmaac.org.
Wednesday, June 19 at 7 p.m. The Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC):The Art of Poetry – Open Mic will be hosted by Chief Ikenna with music by DJ TLA. Free entry. The open mic sessions will take place at HMAAC, 4807 Caroline St., Houston, TX 77004. https://hmaac.org.
The Houston Museum of African American Culture
Thursday, June 13, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy: Porch Talk: Uncovering the Genius of a Master Strategist. This panel discussion, book signing, and reception unveils the extraordinary journey and work of Freedmen’s Town’s very own Emmet J. Scott, journalist, chief strategist, and power broker. Panelists are Dr. Sherwin K. Bryant, associate professor, History & Director, Center for African and African American Studies, Rice University, and Dr. Will Guzman, assistant vice chancellor, International Programs & Community Engagement, Academic Affairs, North Carolina University. The event takes place at Freedmen’s Town Visitor Center, 1204 Victor St., Houston, TX 77019. Limited space. Registration required. www.houstonfreedmenstown.org.
Emancipation Park Conservancy
Saturday, June 15, 7 a.m. -11 p.m. and 4 p.m.- 9 p.m. Emancipation Park Conservancy: Annual Juneteenth Music Celebration. This Juneteenth Celebration is filled with joy, unity, and cultural pride! Start the morning with the 2nd Annual Freedom Walk/Run and join the community at The Emancipation Park at 7 a.m. The free concert starts at 4 p.m. with the Juneteenth Community Gospel Choir, followed by Southern Soul artist Roi Anderson, and closes with Zydeco from Lil Nathan and the BigTimers. Explore a variety of vendors offering unique crafts, merchandise, and delectable treats from various food trucks. The events take place at Emancipation Park, 3018 Emancipation Ave., Houston, TX 77004. https://epconservancy.org/events/annual-juneteenth-music-celebration/