The National Museum of African American History and Culture has a lot planned to honor Juneteenth!
Juneteenth, Freedom Day, or Emancipation Day is celebrated on June 19, to commemorate the end of slavery in America. The Civil War ended 156 years ago, and with that, ending slavery. To honor this historic moment of our country the National Museum of African American History is hosting virtual events all day long!
The NMAAHC is an iconic landmark of the country. It was established by Congress in 2003 to showcase the contributions African Americans have had to our country. In 2016, the museum opened and has ever since been a rich place to learn about, honor, and respect the African American community.
This year for Juneteenth, the NMAAHC has scheduled a jam-packed day full of online events in honor of the end of slavery. Named the Celebration of Resilience, these events are meant to inspire, teach and reclaim this historical event. All of the following events are free and you’ll need to register in advance to reserve your spot.
African Americans and the United States of Barbecue
From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, Adrian Miller a renowned food writer will converse about his book Black Smoke with James Beard, an Award winner attorney, and certified barbecue judge, along with Kevin Young, director of the NMAAHC member of the Southern Food Alliance. In discussing the culinary culture of African Americans, they will examine the marginalization this American form of cuisine receives.
Genealogy and Records of Intrigue
From 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. the fascinating story of an enslaved woman’s uncharted lineage will be told. After the Civil War she opened a bank account at Freedman’s bank, and today, thanks to “Reverse Genealogy” her family history was uncovered. Discover this incredible story of a family reunion like no other!
Porch Stories – Tales of Slavery and Beyond
[Photo: Andrew Chorley]
Be enthralled in stories told by internationally recognized storyteller Jan Blake. She will be telling two tales based in post-slavery America demonstrating the wisdom and courage of the Black community. She will then be interviewed and dive deeper into how the African American experience is displayed in her work.
Juneteenth: Connecting the Historic to the Now
Scholars and professors at Ivy League universities will discuss the history of Juneteenth and its current political importance in a panel discussion. Moderated by the director of the Smithsonian NMAAHC, Kevin Young, this engaging discussion will take place from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. virtually.
Community Soundstage: A Conversation with Amythyst Kiah
Amythyst Kiah is an incredibly talented African American musician who will perform from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Amythyst redefines Black musicians’ influence in musical history. After performing a few of her original songs, she will foreshadow her upcoming album Wary + Strange in an interview, as well as dissert about her music and “the intersection of historic and contemporary social justice challenges.”
[Featured image: @ubaway / Instagram]