As we usher in another year, we prepare to embark on a journey of remembrance, celebration, and advocacy. With hearts filled with gratitude and a spirit of unity, we are thrilled to announce our upcoming Juneteenth Celebration, a jubilant commemoration of emancipation, coupled with a deep dive into the richness of Black history and culture. This year’s theme, “Together We Stand,” underscores the power of solidarity and collective action as we honor the legacy of Dr. Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth, and pay homage to advocates for positive change not only within our borders but across the seas in Japan.

Honoring Dr. Opal Lee and Advocates for Change

At the heart of our celebration stands Dr. Opal Lee, a trailblazer whose tireless efforts have brought Juneteenth to the forefront of national consciousness. Her dedication to spreading awareness and fostering unity embodies the essence of this year’s theme. Moreover, we extend our admiration to advocates for positive change in Japan, emphasizing the universal resonance of Juneteenth and the shared pursuit of justice and equality.

Exploring the Theme: “African Americans and the Arts”

This year, our festivities are imbued with the vibrancy of the arts, encapsulating the diverse expressions of African, Caribbean, and Black American cultures. Through visual and performing arts, literature, music, culinary delights, and other forms of cultural expression, we delve into the profound impact of African Americans on the artistic landscape. From the soul-stirring melodies of jazz to the poignant narratives woven through literature, we celebrate the enduring legacy of creativity and resilience.

Month-long Celebration: From May to Juneteenth

Our celebration transcends a single day, evolving into a month-long extravaganza commencing in May with the arrival of Dr. Opal Lee. Throughout the month, we invite you to engage in a myriad of activities that foster dialogue, education, and community engagement. From thought-provoking panel discussions to inspiring student interactions, captivating art exhibitions to meaningful community service initiatives, there’s something for everyone to participate in and enjoy.

Promoting Global Unity: Opal Walk For Freedom

As we culminate our festivities, we unite in a powerful gesture of solidarity with the Opal Walk For Freedom, advocating for Sustainable Development Goal 10: to Reduce Inequality. This symbolic walk serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to combat injustice and build a more equitable world for all. By walking hand in hand, we affirm our commitment to fostering inclusivity and amplifying the voices of those who have been marginalized.

In Conclusion

As we look forward to the festivities ahead, let us embrace the spirit of Juneteenth with open hearts and minds. Let us stand together, united in our celebration of freedom, resilience, and cultural heritage. Through our collective efforts, may we continue to honor the past, celebrate the present, and pave the way for a brighter future where all voices are heard and all dreams are realized.

Together, we stand.

Highly-Anticipated, Must-See First Solo Exhibition by an Enthralling Black Artist in Japan, with Epic Installation Imagining a New Hybrid of Black and Japanese Cultures through Ceramics, Architecture, and Music.

Based on the South Side of Chicago, IL, Theaster Gates (b. 1973 in Chicago) has earned international acclaim for a practice that traverses multiple media and genres, primarily focusing on sculpture and ceramics but also encompassing architecture, music, performance, fashion and design. Trained as a sculptor and urban planner, Gates has been influenced by Japanese craft and culture over the past 20 years. He first traveled to in 2004 Japan to study ceramics in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture. His deep encounters in Japan and across the Asia-Pacific, coupled with his experiences as an African-American man with roots in Mississippi and Chicago have been the keystones of his creative process. Gates, who has explored cultural hybridity over the course of his practice, coined the term “Afro-Mingei,” his unique conceptual framework fusing the philosophies of the Japanese Mingei Movement and the aesthetics of the “Black Is Beautiful” cultural movement that played a significant part in the American Civil Rights Movement (1954-1968). Theaster Gates: Afro-Mingei is Gates’ first solo exhibition in Japan and largest-ever in Asia, with the speculative proposition of “Afro-Mingei” placed as the central backbone of the presentation. This exhibition showcases major bodies of existing and never-before-seen work that demonstrate the influence of Japanese culture on his practice.

As the world reexamines the historical and contemporary prominence of certain voices and seeks to diversify the perspectives represented, the global art scene has been increasingly interested in the multiplicity of experiences reflected in the work of leading Black artists. While Black histories remain relatively little known among the Japanese public, this exhibition demonstrates its growing attention to Black art through the multidimensional practice of Theaster Gates. Afro-Mingei will convey the importance of contemporary art that honors craft, ask us to consider questions of race and politics, and celebrate the hybrid possibilities of culture.

For more information please visit the Event’s Official Website.