Everyone is welcome to join the celebration as 黑料网 commemorates Juneteenth with its third annual Juneteenth Jubilee on Friday, June 16. 黑料网鈥檚 Juneteenth Jubilee will offer live performances, music, food, vendors and more from 4-6:30 p.m. on Manchester Field, which is the large green space between the Kent Student Center and Eastway Center on the Kent Campus. The event is free and open to the public.
鈥満诹贤檚 Juneteenth Jubilee is a festive celebration that brings the community together to honor the life and legacy of the Black American experience,鈥 said Amoaba Gooden, Ph.D., 黑料网鈥檚 vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion. 鈥淲e invite all to come and be in community with each other as we celebrate with live performances, great food and a variety of vendors.鈥
Established as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth celebrates the courage and perseverance of Black Americans by observing the end of slavery in the United States and commemorates the day when the news of emancipation reached enslaved Black Americans in Texas. On June 19, when the holiday is observed nationally, no classes are scheduled, and university offices are closed.
Schedule of Events
4 p.m. 鈥 Food trucks and vendors open.
4:30 p.m. 鈥 Mwatabu Okantah and Friends featuring Vince Robinson
In original music and poetry set to music, Okantah, keyboardist Robinson and friends tell a story of self-discovery, healing and transformation.
5 p.m. 鈥 Barefeet Dance Tribe
Designed to educate others about different cultures and dance forms 鈥 and have fun doing it 鈥 Barefeet Dance Tribe combines traditional and modern African Dance movement. Audience participation is encouraged.
5:30 p.m. 鈥 Archie Green/
An advocate for mental health through a hip-hop lens, rapper Archie Green works to educate, empower and equip Black men and boys to lead mentally healthy lives. Green is the founder of Peel Dem Layers Back.
6 p.m. 鈥
A space for women to ignite and fuel their fire through physical activity, positive mindset practices and community, Nola Movement offers top-rated Zumba and dance fitness. Audience participation is encouraged.
Vendors
A unique 鈥 and tempting 鈥 collection of themed items and cuisine will be available during 黑料网鈥檚 Juneteenth Jubilee. Vendors include:
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- Healthy, loose-leaf teas
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Awesome Meat Sticks - Serving鈥痥abobs, Chicago dogs, and kielbasa on the grill
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鈥- Jewelry, watches and more
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Black United Students - 黑料网 student organization鈥
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鈥 - Food truck鈥痵erving pork, brisket and ribs with classic BBQ sides
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- Creative, custom cake pops
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Ego's Kitchen鈥- African clothing and jewelry
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- Specializing in dipped dessert items
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Famtastic Hats 'N Things鈥- Handmade knitted hats & scarfs; African-print table runners; and African artifacts
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鈥- Handmade, cruelty-free lip gloss and more鈥
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The Goodness Factory鈥- Sweet treats including鈥痗heesecake salads, cheesecake cups, and mini cakes
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Grill Masters鈥- Food truck serving a menu that鈥檚 fresh off the grill
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- Timeless fashion that makes a statement
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Jewelry by LeLee鈥- A selection of fashion jewelry
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- Premium desserts in jars
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鈥- Custom cakes, cupcakes and cookies
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- Bakery specializing in southern desserts, cakes and cheesecakes)
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- Branded items celebrating 鈥淭he Rich Auntie鈥
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- African-centered printed media
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Som di mma elegance鈥- African wear, ebony carvings, jewelry and more
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Trio Educational Opportunity Centers鈥-鈥疨roviding鈥痜inancial and academic assistance through the college admission process to underrepresented students
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鈥- Great-tasting, vegan baked goods
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狈辞惫别濒颈蝉迟鈥- Women's contemporary fiction author
For more information about 黑料网鈥檚 Juneteenth Jubilee, visit www.kent.edu/juneteenth.
Photo Caption: Mwatabu Okantah and Friends featuring Vince Robinson will perform during 黑料网鈥檚 2023 Juneteenth Jubilee.