The Second Annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, at Tarkington Park, 45 W. 40th St. The free event will celebrate the liberation of Blacks from bondage, the many successes achieved since emancipation, and the rich cultural heritage that continues to thrive.
Performances by Arts for Learning of Indiana artists will include Sancocho Drums (African drumming), Epiphany Dance Collective (African dance), and storyteller Portia Sholar Jackson who will share the history and significance of Juneteenth. Renowned local poets Corey Ewing and Januarie York, and rapper OG Pee will contribute spoken word pieces.
A variety of activities for families and children of all ages are scheduled including a youth basketball clinic, and Play Parlors curated by Rokh. Versiti of Indiana will host a mobile blood drive with a vehicle on site to accept blood donations and to promote the importance of a diverse blood supply.
Schedule of Events
10-11 a.m. Youth Basketball Clinic hosted by the Catch the Stars Foundation (space limited. online pre-registration required.)
11 a.m. Emancipation libation opening ceremony – Anthony Artis
11:10 a.m. – 11:50: Sancocho Drums (African drumming)
11:50 – noon: Rapper OG Pee
noon – 1 p.m.: Ronnie Stone with Epiphany Dance Ensemble (African dance)
1 – 1:30 p.m.: Portia Jackson storyteller
1:30 – 2 p.m.: Poets Corey Ewing & Januarie York
Community Information Tables
• Butler Tarkington Neighborhood Association
• Crown Hill Neighborhood Association
• Community Action of Greater Indianapolis (CAGI)
• Gen-Sol
• The Indy Learning Team
• IndyGo
• Indy Public Library
• IU Health
• MLK Center
• Marion County Violence Prevention – Youth Trauma Task Force Team
• Martin Center Sickle Cell Initiative
• Marion County Prosecutor’s Office
• Midtown Indy
• NAMI Greater Indianapolis
• Peace Learning Center
• Stop the Violence
• The Indy Learning Team
• Versiti of Indiana
• Voter registration
Food Vendors
• Tea’s Me Community Café
• Real Brothas (chicken, fish, hot dogs, corn dogs, fries) Donald Carter
• Food Firm Food Truck (rice bowl) Kirt Maxey
Presented by
Midtown Indy, Indy Parks, Kheprw Institute, MLK Center, Tea’s Me, The Parks Alliance
With support from
Arts for Learning, Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood Association, Catch the Stars Foundation, Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, Rokh, Versiti of Indiana