Coming up on June 19th, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of formerly enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas. The Young Audiences Arts for Learning network is proud to celebrate this national holiday with arts-integrated programs and events for young people and their families.
We'll continue to update this page as new events and activities are announced.
Gospel Voices of OC - Arts & Learning Conservatory
June 10 @ 7:00 pm
Musco Center for the Arts - Orange, CA
In celebration of Juneteenth, YA affiliate Arts & Learning Conservatory (Costa Mesa, CA) presents Gospel Voices of OC (June 10, 2023). Debora Wondercheck, Arts & Learning Conservatory's CEO and Founder, leads the production team behind this multi-generational staged performance that spotlights gospel music as a source of historical impact and resiliency. Learn more and buy tickets>>
Journey to Juneteenth - Arts for Learning Massachusetts
June 10 @ 11:00 am
Salem Armory Visitor Center - Salem, MA
Storyteller Valerie Tutson presents a special program celebrating Juneteenth. In a collection of stories celebrating freedom, you will hear of the day news of Emancipation came to Galveston, Texas through the eyes of a fictional character Valerie created and calls Ma'lizzy. Learn about her life as an enslaved person, the day General Granger read Order No 3, and what happened to her and her family after they were free. This event is free, but registration is strongly encouraged. Register here >>
Super Summer Juneteenth Celebration - Young Audiences of Louisiana
June 17 @ 9:30 am
Rosa F. Keller Library - New Orleans, LA
Young Audiences of Louisiana’s Super Summer community events are interactive arts education experiences designed to promote literacy and connect with children, infant to age 8, because we believe that arts education is super. Join us for an engaging morning singalong incorporating African and Native music, an interactive workshop experience, and a Juneteenth-themed storybook scavenger hunt. All children will receive a free book, a snack, an activity packet, crayons, and a surprise special gift. Learn more >>
Come Freedom, Come - Arts for Learning Virginia
June 17 @ 10:00am – 10:50am
Elizabeth River Park - Chesapeake, VA
In this powerful program of freedom and empowerment, storyteller Valerie Davis portrays one of Virginia's unsung heroes, Martha Ann Fields, an enslaved cook from the Nutshell Plantation in Hanover County. Along with her eight children, she crossed the Pamunkey River in the dead of night, reaching Union lines and freedom. In this uniquely American story of love, longing, faith, betrayal, and courage, the audience will meet the character of Martha Ann Fields as they learn about the impact she made in her new life as a free woman. This program is free and open to the public. Learn more >>
Triumphs & Tribulations: Evelyn T. Butts - Arts for Learning Virginia
June 17 @ 12:00pm
Richard A. Tucker Memorial Library - Norfolk, VA
Actor Valerie Davis presents a historical interpretation of civil rights activist and Norfolk, Virginia native, Evelyn T. Butts. Valerie takes audiences on a journey through the triumphs and tribulations of this unsung hero of the civil rights movement who challenged the poll tax in Virginia and took her case to the U.S. Supreme Court—and won. This program is free and open to the public. Learn more >>
