The Queens Public Library is hosting a lineup of virtual and in-person activities this week for residents of all ages to celebrate Juneteenth.
Juneteenth is an annual holiday that falls on June 19 to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865.
This holiday is significant for African Americans as it symbolizes the news that the Emancipation Proclamation had finally reached those still enslaved in Galveston, Texas, after the Civil War.
The QPL’s Juneteenth events range from engaging forums to workshops on Afrofuturism and swing dance classes.
Below is a preview of some of the Juneteenth Events QPL is offering this week.
Juneteenth: Giants: Art From the Dean Collection of Swiss Beats & Alicia Keys
Monday, June 16
11 a.m.- 12:15 p.m.
Virtual Zoom link: https://queenslib.org/3E78 Passcode: 127199
Adult program
Dr. Kimberli Gant, curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Brooklyn Museum, will present her current traveling exhibition “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz & Alicia Keys.” Grant will discuss the significance of the Dean Collection, the participating artists, and how collecting art honors Black history and creativity.
Juneteenth: Afrofuturism, Anime AI, and TikTok
Monday, June 16
3:30 p.m.- 5 p.m.
Far Rockaway Teen Library 2002 Cornaga Ave.
Teen program
Teens are invited to a computer-lab-based workshop that explores how technology can help them imagine an Afrofuturist future. Participants will learn about the history of Juneteenth and connect Afrofuturism and Afrofantasy to media such as anime and TikTok.
Juneteenth Celebration With BK Music Learning
Tuesday, June 17
4:30 p.m.- 5:30 p.m.
South Jamaica 108-41 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica
All ages
BK Music Learning invites families for an interactive Juneteenth celebration with live music, dancing, and storytelling. Kids will learn about the significance of Juneteenth traditions in an engaging, youth-centered way. This program is funded by New York City Council Member Nantasha Williams.
Juneteenth: Color Your Own Juneteenth Flags
Wednesday, June 18
3 p.m.- 4 p.m.
151-10 14 Road, Whitestone
All ages
Participants of all ages are invited to this creative event. Assemble Juneteenth flags with cardstock, wooden dowels, and self-adhesive flags, and put your own creative spin on them by coloring the flags with traditional Juneteenth colors of red, black, and green. This event is for children ages 6 and up with caregivers.
Juneteenth Hip Hop Celebration With Batingua Dance & Drums Production
Wednesday, June 18
4 p.m.- 5 p.m.
218-13 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights
All ages
Celebrate Juneteenth’s legacy with Batingua Dance & Drums Productions
The celebration will feature live performances, interactive drumming, music, and giveaways.
To explore the full lineup of Juneteenth events and activities, click here.
All Queens Public Library locations will be closed on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth holiday.
