WS Chronicle

Plans are underway for the Ninth Annual Triad Juneteenth Africana Festival, which will be held Saturday, June 15 at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum Annex from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Triad Cultural Arts, Inc., which stages the annual celebration of freedom and black culture, is currently seeking bakers, performers, exhibitors and volunteers for the day-long indoor event.

“At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington,” the theme of this year’s festival, is adapted from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. It recognizes the 150th anniversary of President Lincoln’s proclamation and the 50th anniversary of the march at which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.

“We always want to remember our history, remember the people who’ve gone before us to make us who we are today and make our world a better place,” said Triad Cultural Arts Chair and Founder Cheryl Harry. “It’s important that these historic events are commemorated and not forgotten.”

The festival will include live African music and dance, a farmers market, historical displays, a children’s area, bake-off, quilting demonstrations, art exhibitions and vendors.
New to the festival is the “I Have a Dream” speech competition. Details about the contest will be sent home with elementary, middle and high school students on May 31.

Bakers for the bake-off and volunteers are needed. To learn more, go to www.triadculturalarts.org or call 336-757-8556.