Bay Area Artists Celebrate Juneteenth
Juneteenth (June 19) is the oldest U.S. holiday celebrating the ending of slavery in the United States. Though President Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, the news and implementation of freedom for enslaved people was slow to reach many populations. On June 19, 1865, when the Union Army arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the news - more than two and a half years later - the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free.
The movement toward making Juneteenth a federal holiday in the US received huge momentum this week. On Tuesday June 15, the US Senate passed a bill that would make June 19th a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It is expected to easily pass the House, which would send it to President Joe Biden for his signature.
The importance Juneteenth holds is marked in Bay Area arts communities this year with in-person gatherings, public celebrations, unveiling of sculpture commissions, music, film screenings, parades, as well as online projects. Here are some of the projects we lift up this Juneteenth!
FIgure ‘n Color partners with The Berkeley Arts Center for a six month virtual residency
Figure ‘n Color (FnC) is an art model–led figurative drawing experience that highlights and celebrates the diverse Black body. Curated by alluris-michele and Titania Kumeh as a cultural learning event, FnC is a hub for models and artists, providing resources and instruction on how to accurately and ethically render Black artist models. Individuals of all backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to join Figure ‘n Color sessions.
THIRD FRIDAYS
JUNE-NOVEMBER
11AM-2PM
First classes led by Malik Shabbaz, author of https://www.malik-shabazz.com/
Poster for Munumental Reckoning
A public art installation to honor Black lives and the history of African-Americans will be unveiled in Golden Gate Park in time for Juneteenth. Approved by the San Francisco Arts Commission and San Francisco Recreation and Park, the installation will surround the vacant plinth where a statue of Francis Scott Key was toppled by protestors on June 19, 2020. Support for the installation is being provided by the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD).
"Monumental Reckoning," by Bay Area sculptor Dana King, includes 350 four-foot high sculptures crafted in black steel with vinyl tubing, representing the number of Africans initially forced onto the San Juan Bautista to become America's first slaves.
Monument Reckoning" opens June 19th at Golden Gate Park Concourse, monumentalreckoning.org.
Juneteen MOAD poster
The Museum of the African Diaspora celebrates Juneteenth with a day of virtual programs highlighting Black women in rock ’n’ roll, Black social dances and more. From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the museum hosts a “Rock ’n’ Roll Heretics: Shredding While Black and Female” roundtable, focusing on Black female rock guitarists. Participants include author Sikivu Hutchinson, singer-songwriter Samantha “GhettoSongBird” Hollins, Atlanta performer Gabriella “Guitar Gabby” Logan and 19-year-old musician Zorrie Petrus.
From 2 to 3:30 p.m., Oakland dance educator Traci Barlow hosts a part lecture, part dance party celebration of the different eras of the Black experience, highlighting the aesthetic, culture and liberation behind Black social dances.
The program wraps up at 4-5 p.m. with a panel discussion on the origins of Juneteenth and its historical and current political significance.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, June 19. Free, donations encouraged. Register in advance at moadsf.org
Poster for Story Windows Grand Opening Celebration
Black Joy StoryWindows, a curated, multimedia art walk
On June 19, 2021, Black Joy StoryWindows, a curated, multimedia art walk will be unveiled in downtown Oakland, in partnership with Black Joy Parade, Artist As First Responder, curator Ashara Ekundayo, and numerous supporters, venue partners, and businesses.
Location: · Latham Square; the New Latham Square
Performances by:
Jenn Johns (prayer and singing the Black National Anthem)
PIWAI
The People's Conservatory
On the 1s and 2s DJ Black Bangando
Mural of Black women of the Black Panther Party painted on the side of a building
Women of the Black Panther Party MURAL project
For Juneteenth, The Women of the Black Panther Party MURAL project is opening a mini museum centered on the contribution and the legacy of Women in the Black Panther Party, and community survival programs.
There will be food trucks, DJ’s and a jumpy house! UCB MFA ‘16 Jose Joaquin Figueroa will be drawing and adding last touches to his collaborative mural next door. Come thru 11-6 #emancipationday #westoakland #epitaphtotheflame #solidarityispower #westoaklandmuralproject