Juneteenth at The Gantt

The Gantt's "2025 Juneteenth at the Gantt" celebration offers a dynamic program lineup designed for guests to experience a rich blend of activities, including family-friendly art-making, community discussions, and a live performance honoring Black Music Month. Guests can enjoy guided tours of current exhibitions and engage in a special discussion inspired by Black Behind Bars, curated and led by the exhibition's featured photographer, Alvin C. Jacobs, Jr.

This year, we offer special reflections on the prolific analyses of James Baldwin through his book Fire Next Time, and the film I Am Not Your Negro – Raoul Peck’s response to Baldwin’s Remember This House.

We invite the community to explore the layered meaning of freedom through creative expression, thoughtful dialogue, and collective joy. Whether through art, music, or conversation, Juneteenth at the Gantt offers a meaningful space for honoring the past and shaping a more intentional future.

Program Schedule

Juneteenth Kids’ Art Lab
12 noon - 4 pm (Performance Suite, 2nd Floor)

A series of children and family-focused art activities for learning Juneteenth history, interactive play, and creation of hand-made holiday mementos.

Dennis Reed Ensemble: Celebrating Black Music Month
12:15 pm (2nd Floor Lobby)

A live musical performance curated by Sainted Trap Choir co-founder and director, Dennis Reed.

Screening: I Am Not Your Negro
12 noon - 2 pm (4th Floor)

I Am Not Your Negro is a 2016 documentary exploring American racism through James Baldwin’s reflections on civil rights leaders, history, and his unfinished manuscript Remember This House, narrated by Samuel L. Jackson.

Guided Tour
12:30 pm (2nd Floor Lobby)

A tour that gives context to the Gantt’s building and history, including the exhibitions on view.

Fire Next Time: Community Book Club
1 pm - 2:30 pm (2nd Floor Lobby)

A collective exploration of James Baldwin's book Fire Next Time, an uncannily relevant written social critique of Black freedom in America, over 60 years later. Moderated by scholar and cultural analyst Tia Warren and UNC Charlotte professor Dr. Janaka Lewis.

Guided Tour
2:30 pm (2nd Floor Lobby)

A tour that gives context to the Gantt’s building and history, including the exhibitions on view.

Black Behind Bars-Inspired Panel
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm (4th Floor)

A conversation both explorative and storytelling in nature, featuring some key players in the local Black biker culture. Moderated by featured artist Alvin C. Jacobs, Jr.

Live Music: Celebrating Black Music Month
3 pm - 4 pm (2nd Floor Lobby)

A live band performance honoring the enduring legacy of Black musical expression.