Juneteenth at the MFA 2019

Juneteenth Recap

In a continued tradition, Transformative Culture Project partnered with The Urban Labs & Adius Arts Initiative to host the 7th Annual Juneteenth celebration at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

The theme for this year’s event was MOVEMENT — all inclusive DANCE & movement of the Diaspora, sharing talent, energy, gratitude & love.

It was a pure expression of Black Culture and its ability to shape nations of people through art, expression, & community.

Many thanks to all of the local artists and performers who graced us with their gifts, along with our fellow community partners — for cultivating, caring for and sharing the event.

Many Thanks to Our Storytellers & Speakers

• Spirituals led by Valerie Stephens
• Remarks: Matthew Teitelbaum, MFA; Malia Lazu, The Urban Labs & Lisa Simmons, Roxbury International Film Festival
• Commemorative Juneteenth remarks by Robert Lewis Jr.
• Sunset Cinema: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse per Roxbury International Film Festival

Gratitude for our Artists & Performers:

• Abilities Dance, a local dance company that promotes dance for individuals with and without disabilities
• Boston Latin School Step Squad
• Dance Lesson with Melissa Valdez, Professional Dancers & Head instructor at Trillfit

A few weeks prior to the event, local students from the Davis Leadership Academy recounted their experiences with racial profiling. Subsequently, the Museum of Fine Arts facilitated a conversation about how to best support youth, artists, entrepreneurs and people of color.

In 2012, we became an active part of the Juneteenth at the MFA.

James Pierre of Adius Arts Initiative originally brought the concept of a peaceful Juneteenth Takeover to Malia Lazu and Future Boston Alliance. Though the event name no longer reflects a “takeover,” the sentiment still stands. Once this event launched, the MFA has continued to expand their programming into LATE NIGHT events highlighting local Black artists & holding space for the community to come together in celebration.

Let us not forget that racism is deep seated and institutional. Museums are one of the largest cultural institutions. In direct response to this adversity, we want to thank Malia Lazu (The Urban Labs), James Pierre (Adius Arts Initiative), and Linda Apple (MFA) for honoring the original intent of Juneteenth & holding space for the artists, organizers & Black people these past 7 years.

This year’s event was a great opportunity for conversation and collaboration, for all people and partners. May we continue these conversations with MOVEMENT, accountability, open hearts & peaceful action.

Many thanks to all of our community partners! Can’t wait to collaborate with everyone next year!

The Dig | Laced | Northeastern Crossing | SheChef, Inc.| Eadem Arbor | MassCreative | Collier Connection | T Flores | Roxbury Innovation Center | Sydney Janey Design | Workbar | The Corny Bread Company | Roxbury Cultural District | Kelley Chunn & Associates |Liteworks Events | Shana Bryant Consulting |Jesignz Graphix | Act Designs | Massachusetts Artists Leadership Coalition (MALC) | Farenheight TV | Haley House | LIR Productions

Our Executive Director, Cara Lisa Berg Powers & Managing Director, Christine Armstrong