Celebrate Juneteenth With A Week Full Of Events, Norfolk

Press release from the City of Norfolk:

Posted on: June 11, 2021

NORFOLK, VA – Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. This year, the City of Norfolk is hosting several events to mark the occasion.

Every day from June 14-19, Norfolk Public Library will post facts about Juneteenth on their social media platforms. On Saturday, June 19, the official Juneteenth holiday, NPL will ask a trivia question on Facebook. Please like, share, and comment on the Juneteenth trivia post for a chance to win a prize. NPL will select one random winner to receive a gift certificate to Yendidi Restaurant, specializing in authentic West African cuisine, and a new copy of the book "Four Hundred Souls: A Community of History of African America, 1619-2019."

On Thursday, June 17, enjoy Juneteenth Storytelling with Diane Macklin at 6 PM on ZOOM. Macklin has performed across the country for venues such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Florida Storytelling Festival, National Docent Symposium, National Storytelling Festival's Exchange Place, and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. “I aim to enlighten and make a difference, one story at a time," said Macklin.

Join in the walking tour, Waterways of Freedom, on Saturday, June 19 at 9:30 a.m. starting at 500 E. Main Street. The walk will wander along the Elizabeth River where Dr. Cassandra Newby Alexander, author of “Waterways to Freedom” will take participants through the history of Norfolk’s waterfront and its ties to slavery. The walk is expected to take 1.5 hours. Space is limited. To place your name on the waitlist, Registration is required.

On Saturday, June 19 at 11:00 a.m., visit the Norfolk Public Library Facebook page to learn about the significance of Juneteenth through the lens of African American Storyteller and Moth StorySLAM Champion Carol Moore. Her style of storytelling is comedic, conversational, and authentic.

Also on Saturday, June 19 at 1:00 p.m., Norfolk Arts will dedicate the second Bloomberg Asphalt Art Project at 1139 E. Charlotte Street in Tidewater Gardens. The project titled The Gathering Place was painted by resident volunteers working alongside local artist Danettea Evans. The Gathering Place mural features images that highlight the history of double-dutch, flowers gathered in community, designs from African American quilts and directional symbols from the Underground Railroad. The street mural incorporates design techniques that promote pedestrian safety. Following the dedication featuring an original poem by Ayana Askew, Hampton Roads Youth Poet Laureate, a double-dutch showcase will take place. The celebration includes free food, the Norfolk Police Department “Copsicle,” face painting, photo booth and music. The Gathering Place is the second of three street murals. Norfolk Arts was awarded $25,000 for three asphalt art projects through Bloomberg Philanthropies. The first mural Gathering in Abundance was installed in Five Points last year. The final mural is planned for September in Denby Park.

This press release was produced by the City of Norfolk. The views expressed here are the author’s own.