A member of PNW Steppaz gives a little girl a few pointers on how to use a fan when dancing to "Boots on the Ground." (Photo: Susan Fried)
Black joy was in the air last Thursday as large crowds attended Juneteenth celebrations at Jimi Hendrix Park and the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM). The events were separate but close enough to draw people to both events.
NAAM had performances by Living Voices, a community conversation, a craft room, and the Black Art Takeover artist market inside the museum. "Selma is Now" and "History Lives Here: the Power of Community and Commitment" were two new exhibits that opened on Juneteenth. The Skate to Freedom Party, Sports Skills and Drills, and movement classes with Adaeze Medani happened outside in Judkins Park.
The Africatown Community Land Trust's Summer of Soul Juneteenth Freedom Fest at Jimi Hendrix Park included performances by local artists Zaina the Phenom, Isaiah Banks, and Samara Reign, as well as popular dance teams Kutt 'N' Up and the PNW Steppaz. Headliner, Grammy Award-winning artist October London, topped off the event by performing to a crowd of appreciative fans. In addition to performers, dozens of vendors sold food, art, clothes, and other products at a pop-up market in the park nearby.