Juneteenth

Concrete Couch invites you to celebrate Juneteenth with us on June 19th from 4 to 8pm at Concrete Coyote Park (1100 S. Royer St.). This day will be filled with family friendly activities, incredible live local performances, great food and drink and of course the best Juneteenth vibes in the city. Add us as a stop during your holiday day! 

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What is Juneteenth?

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Juneteenth is a American Independence holiday celebrated as the mark of freedom from slavery by African Americans. The National Park Service describes Juneteenth origins as such: "Freedom was granted through the Emancipation Proclamation signed on January 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln. Texas was the farthest of the Confederate states, and slaveholders there made no attempt to free the enslaved African Americans they held in bondage. This meant that President Lincoln’s proclamation was unenforceable without military intervention, which eventually came nearly 2.5 years later."

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We are proud to spotlight this American holiday. 

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Our why: Our community park celebrates freedom in many ways!

 

Creative freedom is achieved through our many creative projects that are held both at our park and around the city providing an avenue for self expression to a number of multigenerational and diverse communities. Freedom for the waterways and land is achieved through our environmental programming and land stewardship of the 8 acre park that connects with Shooks Run Creek. These are just some of the main ways in which we hope to empower our neighbors to take action and feel connected in the community. We believe in supporting diverse voices in this city and believe that Juneteenth is a great way to do that.

 

What is " Knowledge is Power" Passport?

 

We believe that tabling should be fun for families and individuals and want people to explore the key nonprofits here in the Southeast that are doing amazing work to support and uplift its residents. This event is a "passport style" meaning participants (you) will stop by each non-profits tent, do an activity with them that tells the story of how they achieve themes of "freedom" within their organization and after get a stamp for learning. A filled out passport means you will have the opportunity to enter to win some fun prizes!

 

 

Our Non-Profit Partners:

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- Unity Project

- RISE Southeast

- Soul2Soul Sisters

- Food To Power

- Mobile Arts Truck

- AAHGS (African American Historical Genealogical Society) 

- Brave Irenes

- Blackpackers

 

What is the "Juneteenth Freedom Walk"? 

Our "Freedom Walk" is inspired by Dr. Opal Lee's "Walk to Freedom" which is a 2.5 mile walk that calls attention to the 2.5 years it took to free the remaining enslaved Africans from the shackles of American slavery. Our walk will be approximately .5 miles around the back half of  our park and will have historical facts and activities along the trail for you to enjoy. The trail is good for all levels (gentle hike with moderate inclines) and ages and is of course also family friendly/ encouraged.
Experience the walk between 4 to 6pm.

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Musical Performances By:

We are extremely grateful for our ongoing musical partnership with the Pikes Peak Chamber Orchestra lead by Jeremy Von Hoy. They are an incredible group of musicians that are passionate about showcasing the work of Black classical musicians over the decades. With this partnership and grant from _____ we are able to provide a free concert experience that highlights our local talent. 

Here is our schedule: 

 

Follow all the musicians on Instagram:

 @iyanla.la @calebcolours @_chocuba_ @jeremybvh 

 

Food:

Healthy soul food bites brought to you by: Thelma Lou's Innersoul Food (@tlinnersoulfood)

 

Sponsors: 

email community@concretecouch.org