Frankfort to hold Juneteenth celebrations

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – Josephine Sculpture Park (JSP), Focus on Race Relations of Frankfort and numerous community organizations are coming together to celebrate Juneteenth.

The holiday on June 19 signifies the freedom of African Americans from slavery. The complicated history of Juneteenth will be examined through these programs.

Kentucky artist Keith McGill was commissioned by JSP to illustrate the origins and meaning of Juneteenth with local students through readings and discussion. The program, called ‘What is Juneteenth?’ demonstrates how the holiday is connected to various dates and names from 1863 through the present.

The event will be produced by Frankfort Plant Board 10 and broadcast on local cable and JSP’s Facebook page on Saturday, June 19, at 2 p.m.

Source: Josephine Sculpture Park

Frankfort’s Grand Theatre will also be holding the ‘Frankfort Juneteenth’ program at 7 p.m. This event will see Frankfort’s educational, spiritual and cultural organizations unite to talk about the idea of freedom in Frankfort’s past, present and future through poetry, prayer, conversation and song.

Due to COVID-19 safety regulations, seating will be limited. Call the Grand box office at 502-352-7469 to reserve tickets for free. The program will also be livestreamed on Grand Theatre’s Facebook page.

“Being a part of the Frankfort community and part of these Juneteenth events is at the heart of JSP’s mission to connect people to each other through the arts. We’re very grateful to everyone who made these events possible,” said Melanie VanHouten, JSP’s founding director.

JSP will also be featuring various sculptures and programs created by acclaimed artists, including New York Times‘ recently featured Chakaia Booker.