Juneteenth, Tulsa Race Massacre Remembered At DC Museum In June

WASHINGTON, DC — Less than a month after it reopened to the public, the National Museum of African American History And Culture will host several June events, including a virtual observance of Juneteenth and the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre.

The museum, which opened May 14, is hosting an entire day of programming that includes storytelling, music and culinary arts presentations to commemorate Juneteenth. In commemoration of the anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, the museum is highlighting community resilience that will take place during discussions and a digital collection portal that allows people from around the country to contribute, museum officials said Tuesday.

The museum will offer an educational program for young children entitled, “Joyful Fridays” which includes presentations each Friday in June along with additional resources for families. Museum visitors will also be able to take part in a celebration of Black Music Month with an exploration of African American music that chronicles the arrival of the first Africans to the modern day in an exhibit entitled, “Musical Crossroads.”

Further information about some of this month’s events at the museum is as follows:

Joyful Fridays

Every Friday; 11 a.m.–11:45 a.m.

The Joyful Fridays series welcomes children every Friday in June to create art that celebrates Black joy, history and culture. This special program is inspired by the museum’s Joyful ABC Activity Book series, which features activities, museum objects and new words based on characteristics featured in the book, A is for All the Things You Are: A Joyful ABC Book. To prepare for the activity, registered participants will receive a list of supplies needed, recommended books and links to online resources in the museum’s early childhood Learning Lab collections the Monday before each program. This program is for children ages 4 through 8. Admission is free; however, registration is required at https://nmaahc.si.edu/events/upcoming.

Historically Speaking: In Remembrance of Greenwood

Wednesday, June 2; 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

The museum and Smithsonian magazine join forces in a virtual program to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Moderated by Michael Fletcher of ESPN’s Undefeated, this panel discussion explores the development of Tulsa’s Greenwood District, the events that led to its Black residents being the target of racially motivated violence and the community’s resilience and regrowth. Panelists include Lisa Cook of Michigan State University, Victor Luckerson, a Tulsa resident and a contributor to Smithsonian magazine’s April 2021 cover package devoted to the massacre; and Paul Gardullo, historian and curator of the museum’s current exhibition on Tulsa. Admission is free but registration is required at https://nmaahc.si.edu/events/upcoming.

Juneteenth: A Community Celebration of Resilience

Saturday, June 19; all-day program begins at 10 a.m.

The Juneteenth holiday commemorates June 19, 1865. On that day, approximately two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved communities in Texas learned they were free. During NMAAHC’s online celebration of Juneteenth, participants can enjoy online activities, including themes of music, food and freedom. The program will be available for viewing at https://nmaahc.si.edu/celebratejuneteenth.

Meditation Mondays

June 7 and June 21; 12:30 p.m.–1:15 p.m.

In this virtual program, participants will contemplate the journey of African Americans toward liberation through meditation. During the 40-minute guided sessions, attendees will have an opportunity to reflect on their liberation and discuss the meaning of freedom. No experience, equipment, or special clothing is necessary. Admission is free; however, registration is required at https://nmaahc.si.edu/events/upcoming.