On Wednesday, June 19th, the Historic D.A. Dorsey House in Overtown, Miami buzzed with vibrant energy, joy, and a strong sense of community as we celebrated Juneteenth. This all-day event, running from 10 AM to 8 PM, was packed with engaging activities, thought-provoking discussions, and unforgettable performances that united us in honoring this significant day in history.
Morning Session: Juneteenth Black Futurism Environmental Summit
Our day began with the uplifting Juneteenth Black Futurism Environmental Summit, hosted by Men Beni Gardening. We kicked off with a serene sound bowl healing session, setting a calming tone for the rest of the event. Our incredible panelists shared their wisdom on sustainability and environmental concerns while attendees enjoyed delicious hibiscus tea.
Afternoon Session: Keep The Kids Reading
From 2 PM to 4 PM, the focus shifted to the younger audience with the "Keep The Kids Reading" segment. King Rod Royal captivated children with his enchanting storytelling sessions, sparking their imaginations and fostering a love for reading. Bookleggers mobile library trailer was a hit, offering a treasure trove of books for literary enrichment. Free book giveaways from Books For Free Miami Book Fair ensured that every child went home with new stories to explore.
Evening Excitement: Rhyme & Reason
Rhyme & Reason was a highlight of the day, bringing the community together for a captivating Capoeira showcase by Oya Matamba, an energetic drum session by Bongo Bluez, an insightful panel discussion, and a stunning art reveal. The panel discussion featured exhibiting artist Anthony Lumpkin, film director Wills Felin as the moderator, Lissette Fernandez from Moms 4 Libros, Gabriella Oyamatamba and Bongo Bluez. They explored the evolution of communication from traditional African methods to contemporary practices and discussed the critical issues of censorship and book banning. The evening culminated with Anthony Lumpkin's art reveal, adding a new piece to the On the Ban Wagon art exhibition. It was a night filled with art, music, and meaningful conversations, celebrating our rich cultural heritage.
Special Thanks
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all our incredible vendors and partners who contributed to the success of this event. Florida Blue provided essential support, ensuring our attendees had access to important health resources. Books For Free Miami Book Fair fostering a love for reading among the children by offering free books, while Bookleggers’ mobile library was a literary treasure trove.
A special shout-out to Community Love Seed for organizing the free chess lessons that were a big hit with attendees of all ages. These lessons not only entertained but also challenged and stimulated young minds.
We are also deeply grateful to the Black Professional Network for hosting their enlightening panel discussion on real estate and housing at the Dorsey House. Their insights provided valuable information and resources to our community, empowering attendees with knowledge about real estate investing and housing opportunities.
A massive thank you goes out to all the vendors who added flavor and fun to the event. Reeds Seafood Catering delighted our taste buds with delicious food, and Mr. Frosty305 kept everyone cool with refreshing treats.
Finally, our deepest appreciation to our volunteers, everyone who attended and participated in the Juneteenth celebration. Your presence, enthusiasm, and engagement turned this event into an unforgettable experience. The sense of community, the shared moments of joy, and the collective celebration of our history made this Juneteenth truly special.
Thank you for coming together with us to honor this important day. We look forward to many more celebrations and community events in the future. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities from The Black Archives and MUCE. We can't wait to celebrate with you again!
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