As Chatham Park continues to develop its community, they remain dedicated to supporting local art in Chatham County. As part of that commitment, Chatham Park is powering our Go See This series. They join us in inviting you to Go See This . . .
This Saturday at the Chatham County Fairgrounds in Pittsboro, CORE (Community Organizing for Racial Equity) invites you to the 6th Annual Juneteenth Black Arts Festival – Recognizing Our Roots, Our Family & Our Black Culture. Generations have passed since June 19, 1865, when Union Major General Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced General Order No. 3, which declared the freedom of all slaves in Texas. This announcement came more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued and nearly two months after the end of the Civil War. The news of freedom is the greatest possible cause for celebration. Then, as now, we come together to commemorate the emancipation of Black Americans with music, dance, feasting, and festivity.
Now that Juneteenth is a federally recognized holiday, more and more events are being held all over the country. Chatham County stands out among the crowd by choosing to make the transformative power of Black art and culture the centerpiece for celebrations. This year’s festival promises to be a dazzling showcase of talent, resilience, and Black excellence. Headlining the event is Liquid Pleasure, a Chapel Hill-based group that has been performing for over thirty years across the US. There will be a wide array of entertainment by local, regional, and out-of-state artists. Participants and guests can look forward to performances by Silky Smoove Drumline, Dominique Dlyric McDaniel, and Zeta Phi Beta, among others.
But the Juneteenth Black Arts Festival is not just a celebration; it’s a platform for dialogue, education, and community engagement. All are invited to explore the importance of Juneteenth, its historical significance, and its continued relevance in our society. Engage in meaningful conversations with guest speakers like Dr. Ronda Taylor Bullock (Duke University Faculty Affiliate and Director of “We Are”) and Chatham County Superintendent Dr. Jackson. The event will also feature a Black Business Expo, providing a platform to showcase and support local Black-owned businesses.
There’s even something for the little ones! Engaging kids’ activities and interactive experiences will keep the youngest attendees entertained and inspired throughout the day. As a key part of their work, CORE is dedicated to uplifting the youth of Chatham County. Art is an empowering tool for young people to tell their stories and realize their inherent strength, resilience, and potential for greatness. Last year, CORE launched a Juneteenth Poster Art competition across Chatham County School grades 6-12. The winner, Rokia Sissoko, created a beautiful lithograph print which is featured on the poster for the Juneteenth Black Arts Festival. This weekend, she plans to showcase her talents with live t-shirt screen printing of her poster art!
Karinda Roebuck, one of the leaders at CORE speaks on why Juneteenth Black Arts Festival is an important piece of building a brighter tomorrow: “First and foremost we’re community organizers, and part of community organizing is developing and strengthening relationships across our divides, across our differences, and across races. We wanted to create a space that’s welcoming for everybody to come. We also offer opportunities for community healing–just simply being together in our collective liberation and joy! And from the strong relationships then we’re able to engage in collective action, to really come up with these community driven solutions to problems within the community, so that we can drive systemic change.”
With everything from food trucks to dazzling entertainment and edifying discussions, the Juneteenth Black Arts Festival at the Chatham County Fairgrounds is not to be missed! Make plans to join your neighbors for this extraordinary community event this Saturday, June 17th from 11am-5pm. Let’s come together to appreciate the richness of Black arts, support Black businesses, and foster connections that will strengthen our community for generations to come.
- When: Saturday, June 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: Chatham County Fairgrounds, 191 Fairgrounds Rd, Pittsboro
- Cost: Free
- Parking: Visitor parking on site
- Accessibility: Accessible parking and grounds
- For more info: Community Organizing for Racial Equity (CORE)
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