BPL Celebration of Juneteenth 2024 Underway-Activities Conclude with African Drumming Demo at Central Library on June 18

 

The Birmingham Public Library celebrates Juneteenth with a free  exhibition of West African drumming, dance and folklore at the Central Library from 6:00 to 700 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2024.  

Birmingham, Ala. - Celebrate Juneteenth 2024 with the banging of an African drum from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. at the Central Library downtown next Tuesday, June 18, as the Birmingham Public Library Presents “Journey from Africa: The Drums of the Diaspora! With Barry Johnson.”

 Get a head-start on Juneteenth with this immersive experience of West African drumming, dance, and folklore led by Birmingham native Edmond “Barry” Johnson, a professional percussionist and drumming instructor who is well-rounded in the art of drumming. 

Johnson is a founding member of the Sahi On Ko Djony Dance Company, which presented a similar African-drumming and folklore performance during Black History Month at Springville Road Regional Library in February. Sahi On Ko Djony Dance Company, which presented a similar African-drumming and folklore performance during Black History Month at Springville Road Regional Library in February. 

What Is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. 

Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.  On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday. 

Offices in the City of Birmingham, including all BPL locations, will be closed to celebrate Juneteenth on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. 

Although Juneteenth 2024 is over a week away, the Birmingham Public Library has gotten a jump-start this week on what is celebrated as freedom day by African-Americans across the United States.

2024 Juneteenth Programs underway at BPL include:

 • Wylam Branch Library Juneteenth Keychain activity 

Adults at Wylam Branch last week made Juneteenth keychains and other crafts. 

• Juneteenth Earrings craft  kits available at Avondale Regional Library throughout June

Avondale Regional Library Juneteenth bracelet craft

- Available throughout June, Avondale’s Juneteenth Bracelet craft kit has everything you need to craft your own keepsake bracelet. Kits available while supplies last! 

• Q-Tip Juneteenth Flag painting at Southside Branch Library that kicked off today, Monday, June 10 and runs through Friday, June 14 during library hours. 

All members of the family can enjoy creating their own Juneteenth flag painting at Southside Branch Library. The Juneteenth flag represents the freedom and the end of slavery.

 • Juneteenth bracelet-making at West End Branch Library at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11. Patrons of all ages are invited to make a colorful bracelet with a Juneteenth theme at West End Branch. Oak Street Health is providing snacks for the event. 

• Bead Creations: Juneteenth Edition, Smithfield Branch Library from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11.

 D.I.Y. jewelry making activity for Smithfield Library patrons of all ages.

 • Juneteenth Painting Celebration at Pratt City Branch Library happening at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12. 

 Jump into the festivities through the power of art and create an abstract painting to enjoy at Pratt City Branch Library.

By Roy L. Williams| BPL Public Relations Director