Miami Beach, Florida – The City of Miami Beach is set to commemorate Juneteenth with a series of events designed to honor the contributions of Black Americans and remember the emancipation of enslaved people. The fifth annual Juneteenth celebration will include a variety of performances, educational events, and cultural experiences, ensuring a rich and memorable occasion for all attendees.
Miami Dance Heat Wave
Kicking off the celebrations, the Peter London Global Dance Company, in partnership with the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District, will present “Miami Dance Heat Wave.” This dance performance will take place on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 1100 Lincoln Road. The dynamic performance promises to captivate audiences and set a festive tone for the day’s events.
The Juneteenth Experience at the Colony Theater
On June 18 and 19, The Colony Theater at 1040 Lincoln Road will host “The Juneteenth Experience,” a riveting interdisciplinary performance. This 60-minute journey seamlessly melds spoken word, dance, music, and multimedia elements. The event features local and international talents, including leading vocalists, an incredible band under the direction of Musical Director King Friday, and dance from Zest Collective under the direction of Gentry George. Original text and poetry by Arsimmer McCoy and creative producer Miriam King, along with set projections and digital scenes by Bajan artist Russell Watson, will add depth and emotion to the performance.
Juneteenth Jazz at The Betsy Hotel
On June 19, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., The Betsy Hotel at 1440 Ocean Drive will feature “Juneteenth Jazz” with John Harden on piano and Ja’Nia Harden on vocals. The duo’s performance, influenced by artists like Bobby McFerrin and Dinah Washington, will offer a soulful groove that blends jazz and soul, creating an unforgettable musical experience in The Piano Bar at The Betsy Hotel.
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Film Screening of “Selma”
The O Cinema South Beach at 1130 Washington Avenue will screen the powerful historical drama “Selma” from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on June 19. The film chronicles the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders. Directed by Ava DuVernay, “Selma” captures the intense emotions and high stakes of the struggle for equal voting rights, offering a poignant reminder of the civil rights movement’s impact.
Culture Crawl: Bookbinding 101
On June 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., The Wolfsonian FIU at 1001 Washington Avenue will host “Bookbinding 101” as part of its Culture Crawl. This free guided tour of the “Silhouettes: Image and Word in the Harlem Renaissance” exhibition will start at 6:30 p.m. Following the tour, participants can design and create their own book in the workshop, drawing inspiration from the displayed publications.
Harlem Renaissance and the Tropics
Concluding the Juneteenth celebrations, The Wolfsonian FIU will explore the cultural reach of the Caribbean in the Harlem Renaissance on June 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Art historian Samantha Noel will kick off the event with a keynote presentation about how American artists like Aaron Douglas and Josephine Baker used “tropical aesthetics” to shape Black modernity. Following the talk, a reception and panel discussion with FIU faculty will draw connections between the broader cultural movement, the tropics, and featured works in the show, offering fresh perspectives and insights.
Community Engagement and Observance
All nonessential Miami Beach government offices will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. This closure ensures that the community can fully participate in the day’s events and reflect on the significance of the holiday.
For more information on Juneteenth celebrations, visit www.miamibeachfl.gov/juneteenth.
The City of Miami Beach’s Juneteenth celebrations promise to be a vibrant and educational series of events, honoring the contributions of Black Americans and commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. With a diverse lineup of performances and activities, the community is invited to join in the festivities and remember the historical significance of Juneteenth.
