We Outside! A Brooklyn Juneteenth, Vol. II

For its Fourth Annual Juneteenth Celebration, 651 ARTS – Brooklyn’s premier institution for the African Diasporic performing arts – in association with Downtown Brooklyn Partnership – will once again join forces with the popular outdoor music concert series The Soapbox Presents for the second year to commemorate the now federally-recognized holiday with “We Outside: A Brooklyn Juneteenth, Vol II.” The celebration will include a full day of programming and activities for the entire family.

Curated with The Soapbox Presents as part of their Juneteenth activations, this year’s theme for “We Outside…” will center around the concept of  “Individual Expression” and spotlights the spirit of Black creativity through an expanded programming to feature a series of live performances and experiences throughout the day. Bringing its signature stoop sessions to Downtown Brooklyn, one of the day’s biggest draws will include “The Soapbox Presents: Stoop Sessions, Freedom Songs”, a journey through Black protest music to a party of radical joy to be led by bassist Endea Owens and featuring J. Hoard. From Jim Crow to systemic oppression, freedom songs have always historically been part of Black identity as a constant throughline in the fight for justice and equality and Stoop Sessions pays tribute to that integral piece of the Black experience.

Additional programming highlights for the day include: 

The Cypher: Rep Your City –  In this special Juneteenth workshop led by André Zachery and a cohort of choreographers, participants are invited to share the stories of their neighborhoods, cities, countries, and cultures through dance. From New York’s Litefeet to Chicago’s Footwork, Black social dance and movement traditions have always played a pivotal role in shaping African American cultural identity and the variations of these dances tell the stories of the communities from which they were born. The workshop will explore liberation through movement, travelling around the country, using dance as our vehicle and freedom as our fuel.

Young, Gifted and Black: Inspired by HBCU culture, YG&B celebrates the traditions born out of necessity at educational institutions made for African Americans by African Americans and the young people continuing its legacy. This segment will feature marching bands, majorette squads and a step show. 

Melanated Notes – This experience will take attendees on a journey through the Black experience using word and rhythm. Melanated Notes pairs poets with musicians for an exploration of freedom-  the freedom we live and the freedom we aspire to attain.

Additionally, “We Outside…” will once again host  Made Black, a unique Black Artisan Market – curated especially for this event by Brooklyn Pop-Up – showcasing Brooklyn’s finest Black makers and entrepreneurs. The marketplace will feature contemporary fashion, accessories, home goods, beauty and wellness and handmade jewelry – all Made Black.

Photo: Alex Bershaw