June what?

For 30 years, Juneteenth VA has honored the 1866 emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.

Using plays and conversation to heal society from the wounds of slavery without shame or blame, the June 17-19 Juneteenth VA 2023 examines our nation’s racial history. It helps heal the wounds of slavery without shame or blame.  

Funds and volunteers are needed to create live theater performances and many conversations.
The event is at the Emmanuel AME church in Olde Towne Portsmouth. The church is a documented Underground Railroad site.

Lincoln emancipated the enslaved people on Jan. 1, 1863. On July 19, 1866, word reached the last enslaved people living in Texas, thus setting them free and establishing Juneteenth VA. Follow this link for Juneteenth VA’s website: https://www.juneteenthva.org/

Video Links:

Abolitionists’ Museum Audience Reaction: In this clip, an audience member spontaneously interrupts a performance at Abolitionists’ Museum, responding to the character of Nat Turner on the stage as if confronting her family’s past at the moment:
“Nat Turner killed my family!” she cries out. This extraordinary expression of emotion led to a post-show discussion in which audience members — many direct descendent of Virginians from the early days of our nation — shared their takes on history and their experiences in the present. This is an example of the types of discussions that theater can help facilitate.

Interview with Juneteenth founder and playwright Shari
Bailey.

The Underground Railroad