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Freedom Festival activities include:
This year our theme is I AM Genius. We are focusing on helping our students discover their genius within! All funds raised will help continue providing representation, mentorship, and opportunities for our Black Youth in the West Michigan area.
Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates the day in 1865 when the enslaved people of Texas finally learned that slavery had been abolished and that they were free. While Michigan recognized Juneteenth as a holiday in 2005, we in Holland have been celebrating the history of Juneteenth since 2000!
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
Join us at the Farmers Market for story time and kids activities!
I AM Academy is a proud sponsor of this event put on by Mode Fille Noire. A night to celebrate black royalty, excellence, performace, and fashion.
Come pre-party with us! That’s right we are bringing back the good old pre-game celebration. Come dance with us and PJ DA DJ! Have a few drinks of your choice and celebrate the night away!
Tickets = $25
*All tickets include one free drink of your choice (non-alcoholic is available).
Ticket link below!
Come shop from over 60 vendors, food trucks, makers, artists, crafters, and hobbyists. Let your kids play in one of our 4 large inflatables and grab a free balloon animal while visiting the vendors for more activities.
Don’t forget! Bring your chairs and blankets to enjoy a program from our students and community. Then at 5:30 PM get ready for a live performances by National Recording Artist Steven Malcolm!
ABOUT: STEVEN MALCOLM
Festival volunteers needed! – see link below
Vendor registration is closed!
2:00 PM – Welcome to Juneteenth by I AM Academy’s Co-Founders: Henry and Lindsay Cherry
Black National Anthem – Sam Kirk, Rakendra Davis, and Crystal Wright
Land acknowledgment – Aubree Veltema
Ancestor Acknowledgement – Laura Clippard
Presenting Black Graduates and Scholarships – Aniya Johnson
2:20 PM – Drumming Experience – Kevin Jones and Drummers
3:25 PM – Holland Middle School Pep Squad Performance:
Coach: Sam Kirk; Students: Mi’Queen Berry, Miona Rodgers, Uniah Palmer, Serenity Floyd, Kyra Moore, Jazmine Negron, Mackenzie Aittama, Trinity Culbreath
*Music, Sponsors, & Raffle!
4:00 PM – Hope College Repertory Theater
4:25 PM – Performance Spoken Word – Holland High School Students:
Nickole Devine, Zinyah Dubose, Jaelynn Brandon, and Jahzara Yarbrough
*Music, Sponsors, & Raffle!
4:40 PM – Local Band
5:40 PM – Ray & The P.A.C.K.
6:00 PM – International Music Artist
This short play tells the story of 6 slaves on a plantation in Galveston, Texas who hear a rumor that they might be free. The information is brought to them by the gossiping house slave. Do they dare to discuss their dreams of freedom and prosperity for themselves and loved ones if this rumor is true?
I AM Academy is a proud sponsor of this event put on by Theenda Yarbrough (Miss Cookie).
This year’s History Talk will be hosted by the Holland Museum! Come hear from Tracee Bruce, author of the book, Systems that Shape(d) Black America. We think you will find the book with its 40 history lessons very accessible for both the young and seasoned. Her book can be found here or on Amazon.
We will also have a kids history talk surrounding the geniuses of our past!
This is a free event!
No pre-registration is required.
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& RESERVE YOUR SPOT!
