Juneteenth at The Gantt

This year brings many reasons to celebrate, particularly the Gantt's 50th anniversary! Juneteenth is a day to reflect on our resiliency as an organization and as a people, learning from the past to honor the present and forge a better future.

This year's Juneteenth lineup focuses on the artistic perspectives of our youth, modern conversations surrounding the cross-cultural impact of Blackness, and the importance of positive exchange as a form of community care.

The lineup includes:

• A live performance from Leone and the Ascension
• An assortment of art workshops with The Broken Crayon, Tiya Caniel, and Carla-Aaron Lopez
• A wellness experience led by Abiola Ogunbekun
• An interactive historical and cultural analysis led by Dynasty
• A powerful panel titled Black is the Trend, moderated by Perrine DeShield
• Special plant installation by Root Papi
• Young DJs from Do Greater Charlotte's Art of DJing hosting the day
• And more!

The 2024 Juneteenth at the Gantt programming was co-curated by Sir Will.

Event Schedule

12 noon - 6 pm (3rd Floor Mezzanine)
Covered in Peace: Plant Installation & Photo Backdrop

A vibrant, plant-based art installation created by Root Papi, a perfect backdrop for photos to commemorate the holiday.

12 noon - 6 pm (3rd Floor Mezzanine)
Community Affirmation Board

Craft and share empowering statements for yourself and your community in a mosaic of affirmations.

12 noon - 1:30 pm (2nd Floor Lobby)
We Are the Rhythm

This segment is all about the artists of our future! Two young recording artists from GrindHaus Studios – Chayce and Monae, dancers from Vision Elite Royalty Dance Company, and the drum group from Unity Learning Academy will perform and share why rhythm is a healing, unifying art form for them and for the community.

12 noon - 2 pm (Performance Suite/Multi-Purpose Room, 2nd Floor)
Broken Crayon Children and Family Workshop

A drop-in workshop perfect for the little ones features simple crafts and coloring with Juneteenth-themed visuals on the projector screen. Led by Broken Crayon LLC.

12 noon - 1 pm (4th Floor)
Community Wellness Experience

Practice breathing exercises, meditation, and beginner-level mindful movement with wellness facilitator Abby.

1:30 pm (Vistor Experience Desk, 2nd Floor Lobby)
Gantt Center Tour

Enjoy a docent-led tour that includes the history of the Gantt and a discussion of the art and exhibitions on view.

1:30 pm - 3 pm (4th Floor)
Black Culture Interactive Performance with Dynasty

Lyricist Dynasty provides an interactive cultural reflection that honors the holiday, featuring guests sharing in music, film, and iconic moments of Black history.

2 pm - 3:30 pm (2nd Floor Lobby)
Black is the Trend

This panel will discuss various nuances while highlighting multiple industries most impacted and influenced by Black creators. Moderated by Perrine DeShield.

2:30 pm - 4 pm (Performance Suite/Multi-Purpose Room, 2nd Floor)
Family Drop-In Art with Tiya Caniel

A multi-media abstract drop-in workshop during which guests can freely express their emotions without words, using paint markers, shape cutouts, and other crafty materials. Led by Tiya Caniel.

4 pm (Vistor Experience Desk, 2nd Floor Lobby)
Gantt Center Tour

Enjoy a docent-led tour that includes the history of the Gantt and a discussion of the art and exhibitions on view.

4:30 pm - 6 pm
Mental Liberation Art Workshop with Carla Aaron-Lopez

This session will focus on collaging and journaling as acts of mindfulness to gain personal clarity in a growing tumultuous world. Allow these tools to calm your thoughts and center yourself during this year's Juneteenth celebration. Led by Carla Aaron-Lopez.

4:30 pm - 6 pm (2nd Floor Lobby)
Live Band: Leone and the Ascension

Musician and singer Leone and his band the Ascension close out the celebration with live sounds of Black cultural movements, intermingled with their own originally written and composed work.