KMFA CELEBRATES JUNETEENTH FREEDOM DAY
In Galveston on June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger announced General Order No. 3, which proclaimed freedom from slavery in Texas. The date has gone on to become celebrated as Freedom Day, Jubilation Day and Emancipation Day, and is best known now as Juneteenth, our nation's newest Federal holiday.
On-air:
African American composer Margaret Bonds
At noon on June 19, KMFA presents Fields of Wonder, a celebration of music by Black artists with a focus on newly re-discovered song cycle by African American composer Margaret Bonds based on works by Langston Hughes. Performances by famed choral ensemble Cantus are hosted by American Public Media's Andrea Blain.
Let Freedom Ring: A Musical Celebration of Juneteenth
KMFA will also present Let Freedom Ring: A Musical Celebration of Juneteenth at 9:00 p.m. with host Lara Downes. The program will feature performers like Jessye Norman and the Kanneh-Mason family in an exploration of musical heritage and a celebration of freedom.
Stay Black and Live Vol. 2 | Rosewood Park | All Day
Juneteenth 2021: Stay Black and Live Vol. 2 is a citywide Juneteenth festival presented by Six Square, CarverMuseumATX, and the Black Austin Coalition, in partnership with Jump On It, the Austin Area Urban League, Austin Justice Coalition, and GEAYA.
A year after we transformed the Juneteenth festivities from a parade and block party to a virtual festival, this year’s theme reflects on Black people’s initiative and willpower to free themselves because no one else will do it for us, and how it is through our collective strength that we have made our mark wherever we go.
The day long celebration kicks off with a car parade hosted by the Austin Area Urban League and GEAYA. During lunchtime, Fearless First Responders will be distributing free plates to the communities most in need on the East side.
Six Square and CarverMuseumATX’s virtual program will start with a panel discussion about the history and celebration of Juneteenth with speakers Dr. Lisa B. Thompson and Dr. Charles Daniel Carson of UT Austin’s African and African Studies department and moderated by Carre Adams, manager of the Carver Museum.
MC NOOK will introduce Freedom Desk, a music and spoken word performance series that will feature artists from the Austin/Travis County area. The lineup includes: Riders Against the Storm, Eimaral Sol, Melat, Chakeeta B, and more!
There will also be a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses. Proceeds will benefit Six Square as they continue to tirelessly serve the African-American community in Austin.
During the evening we’ll keep the party going at Rosewood Park with a live afterparty hosted by Jump On It and GEAYA. The night will end with a fireworks show by Austin Justice Coalition.
Juneteenth Rhythm and Ribs Festival | Old Settlers Park | Saturday from 4-11:30 p.m.
The City of Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department is back this year with its annual Juneteenth Rhythm and Ribs Festival.
The event promises a day packed with powerhouse entertainment and fun at the Lakeview Pavilion in Old Settlers Park. In addition to specialty food, retail vendors, and activities for the kids, the evening will offer local and national music talent on the stage including Grammy award-winning R&B artist Montell Jordan.
Admission is free and parking is just $5.00 per car. The full lineup of events can be found online.
Black Art WKND | Various Venues | Saturday & Sunday
Tobar Takeover teams up with _OF COLOR to present the first Black Art WKND exhibition this weekend.
The event will feature curated works from emerging contemporary and urban art from Black creators. Original art will be on display through a two-day, multi-venue experience of events with musical and visual performances, vendors, lectures, live painting, and more.
Twenty-three artists will participate at five venues over the weekend. A full list of events and locations, plus access to tickets is available online.