Film Screening: Ancestral Artistry

Kimball Theatre, 428 W. Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg

Explore the Influence of Africans & Creoles of Color on Louisiana Architecture, the 300-year-old building arts legacy and the craftsmen keeping it alive. Special film screening followed by a panel discussion featuring Master Blacksmith Darryl Reeves, his apprentice, Karina Roca, and the New Orleans Master Crafts Guild Co-Founder and CEO Jonn Hankins. Moderated by CWF Master Blacksmith, Ken Schwartz. Free admission.

While Juneteenth celebrates freedom, it also highlights community, education and achievement in the African American community. Join William & Mary to recognize Juneteenth with performers, vendors, and more. Free admission. Learn more at wm.edu/sites/juneteenth

Dr. Kathy Bullock is Professor Emeritus of music at Berea College, Berea, Kentucky, where she worked for almost thirty years. She is also currently an Adjunct Professor of Music at the University of Kentucky, School of Music. Having earned the Ph.D. and M.A. in Music Theory from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, and a B.A. in Music from Brandeis University, MA, her work has included teaching music and general studies courses, directing the college gospel choirs, designing and implementing international courses in West Africa and the Caribbean. Dr. Bullock is now performing and conducting workshops in African American Sacred Music throughout the United States, Europe, and Africa, sharing hope and joy during these challenging times.

Join Dr. Kathy Bullock, renowned educator and performer, for an interactive sing-along program exploring songs of slavery and emancipation. Through spirituals, work songs, and abolitionist anthems, Dr. Bullock reveals the deep resilience, faith, and longing for freedom that these powerful melodies convey. Audiences will engage in both the historical and emotional journeys of these songs, gaining insight into their enduring cultural significance. Free admission.

Black Texas Tales

Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, Hennage Auditorium | 3 pm

Hear master storyteller Sheila Arnold share the comedic and poignant stories of Black Texans as their freedom began on June 19, 1865. You may hear about Aunt Dicy, who likes a little snuff and loved a good story, along with other Black Texas people and folktales. Many of these stories were collected by J. Mason Brewer, a noted African American Texas folklorist, and gives honor to his oral narrative work. Free admission.

Film Screenings: First Class: The Decision and The Remarkable Story of Apostle Fields

Kimball Theatre, 428 W. Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg

Film screenings followed by a Q&A with First Class Productions filmmakers Morgan Avery McCoy and Dr. Danielle Wingfield, Esq. Free admission.

Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, Public Armory | 10 am – 4 pm

Join us at the Public Armory for talks and demonstrations by Master Blacksmith Darryl Reeves, a third-generation metal worker and owner of Andrew's Welding & Blacksmith Shop in New Orleans' Seventh Ward.

 For more information, visit colonialwilliamsburg.org

Much of African Music is based on call and response. The drum is the first to announce itself and send a message bringing the community together.

As the drum calls, the community is expected to respond by playing back to the drummer or hollering out by voice. How will you answer the call? Located at the St. George Tucker House.

Williamsburg Community Building, 401 N. Boundary Street | 12 – 7 pm

Kicking off with a parade, this community celebration features Celebrity Hip Hop Artist/DJ Grand Master Dee of the chart-topping group Whodini, an African attire fashion show featuring international runway boss LOCO STRUT, a children’s entertainment center, the Black Authors Circle, special tributes to the displaced communities and churches, SOMOS Cultural Drummers, and much more! Free admission. For more information, visit villagewjcc.org

Kimball Theatre, 428 W. Duke of Gloucester Street | 1 – 2:30 pm

Experience an unforgettable time of storytelling and music that delves into the heart of the Underground Railroad, the fight for freedom, and the enduring human spirit. This compelling program features acclaimed storyteller Sheila Arnold alongside renowned vocalist Dr. Kathy Bullock and singers from the Jubalo Choir. Together, they weave a powerful tapestry of narratives and melodies rooted in the history of enslaved people’s journey to freedom and the abolitionist movement. Free admission. 

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will be offering free admission on Wednesday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. For information, go to colonialwilliamsburg.org/juneteenth

The photographic output of Albert Durant, Williamsburg’s first city-licensed African American photographer, provides a priceless visual history of the African American community in Williamsburg and the surrounding area from the late 1930s to the early 1960s. View many never-before-seen images taken by Durant that have recently been digitized and assist library staff by identifying the people, places, and events pictured in his photos. Free admission.

Opening Reception: 4th Annual Juneteenth Commemorative Art Exhibition: Stitched Stories of Strength

During the opening reception for Williamsburg Regional Library's exhibit, Stitched Stories of Strength, hear a talk from fiber artist and exhibit curator Lorrin Arrington Savage and enjoy refreshments. This unique showcase celebrates resilience, perseverance, and the human spirit, expressed through the intricate art of stitching, weaving, and textiles. Free and open to the public.

Join the Virginia Racial Healing Institute and Coming to the Table - Historic Triangle for the 4th annual Journey to Racial Healing Ceremony. The event will feature Charles Holman, who is linked by slavery to the family of former U.S. presidents George H.W. Bush and George Bush. Visit the Juneteenth Commemorative Art exhibition, share good food, and listen to Charles Holman’s

“journey to racial healing” as featured in the Washington Post. Admission is free, but registration is

required. For information, visit www.varacialhealinginstitute.org