A week of events are planned in State College to commemorate Juneteenth, which marks the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved African Americans on June 19, 1865.
Juneteenth celebrates the arrival of Union troops in Galveston, Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and declare freedom from slavery.
In 2019, Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law Act 9, which designated June 19 as “Juneteenth National Freedom Day” in Pennsylvania. Last year, President Joe Biden signed into law legislation passed by Congress making Juneteenth a national holiday.
This will mark the third year of official celebrations of the holiday in State College, with events planned by multiple organizations from June 13-18.
Black 2 Reality — which is led by Tierra Williams, the host of “Black Tea” and a Ferguson Township supervisor and Latisha Franklin, a Penn State doctoral candidate and founder of Gratified Grad— has organized a slate of events from June 13-18.
The State College Chapter of the NAACP, in partnership with the Penn State Center for Performing Arts, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Institute for Development and State College Borough, will host “Juneteenth 2022: Reflections of Black Experiences; Voices of Freedom Through the Ages,” June 17-18, with an art exhibition and a downtown block party.
Here’s a look at the schedule of events.
Black 2 Reality “2022 Liberation Week” events
Monday, June 13 – Education Liberation
2:30-4:30 p.m., Schlow Library Community Room
Children and Adults have the chance to listen to stories about Juneteenth, learn about the Pan-African/Juneteenth flag, visit an Affirmation table and write a letter to a living Freedom Fighter.
Tuesday June 14 – A Southern High Tea
6 p.m., 3 Dots Downtown, 137 E. Beaver Ave.
This event will have custom teas by Gratified Grad, paired with assorted vegan treats made by Chakra’s Cafe. Come dressed in your finest “southern belle” or “Kentucky Derby” attire to enjoy a fine southern evening. Advanced registration is required by June 12.
Wednesday June 15 – Juneteenth Trivia
6-7:30 p.m., Webster’s Bookstore Cafe, 133 E. Beaver Ave.
Learn, compete, and possibly win prizes during this year’s Juneteenth trivia
Thursday, June 16 – Step, Stomp and Stroll
6:30 p.m., The State Theatre, 130 W. College Ave.
Tickets will be available in advance at thestatetheatre.org or at the door for this fraternity and sorority step show and competition in support of Juneteenth. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Friday, June 17 – Understanding the Underground
3-5 p.m., Bellefonte Art Museum/Downtown Bellefonte
Did you know the Underground Railroad travels through Centre County? To take a deeper look into the history of the Underground Railroad, meet up with Black 2 Reality at the Bellefonte Art Museum, 133 N. Allegheny St., at 3 p.m. to take a self-guided tour around the historical sites and experience a few moments of history close to home. The tour will will end back at the museum at 5 p.m. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Saturday, June 18 – Juneteenth Southern Soirée
6:30 p.m., The Graduate Hotel, 125 S. Allen St.
This black-tie affair will feature a three-course meal, music, entertainment and special awards given out to the community. Tickets can be purchased online through June 12. Open to ages 10 and up. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the soirée starts at 7 p.m.
State College NAACP “Reflections of Black Experiences; Voices of Freedom Through the Ages“
Friday, June 17 – Art Exhibition and Awards
7 p.m., Woskob Family Gallery, 146 S. Allen St.
Grace Hampton, professor emerita of art, art education and integrative arts and former vice provost and senior faculty mentor at Penn State, will curate an exhibition
of original 2D and 3D art, centered on the theme “Reflections of Black Experiences: Voices of Freedom through the Ages,” and submitted by individuals of color in the community.
Doors open at 7 p.m. and the awards ceremony starts at 8:15 p.m.. A total of $800 in prizes will be awarded by the Juneteenth Celebration Exhibition Committee and other artists from across the state will also display their work. Local saxophonist Lake Black and his band will perform live jazz.
Saturday, June 18 – Block Party
Noon to 6 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, 100 block of South Fraser Street
The downtown State College block party will feature entertainment for all ages. The event will include arts and crafts activities for children, food trucks, a host of live bands from a variety of genres, poetry and dance performances, a dramatic reenactment by Charles Dumas and a DJ throughout the day. It also will showcase Black vendors from across the state who will be selling a variety of merchandise, jewelry, clothing, art and more.
The State College NAACP also will announce two recipients of the Black Excellence Awards, which acknowledge and celebrate Black people who make a difference in our community through their abilities and achievements.
