5. The Flea Juneteenth Programming – June 19th, various times
The Flea — an experimental theater in Tribeca supporting Black, Brown, and Queer experimental art — is putting on a variety of public performances the week leading up to Juneteenth. On June 19th, award-winning director and performer Niegel Smith is organizing “The Worthy,” a “celebratory walk for justice and Black men,” which will begin at the African Burial Ground and end at The Flea theater. During the construction of a federal building at 290 Broadway, archeologists found a burial ground containing more than 15,000 skeletal remains of enslaved Africans dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Now, a memorial complex exists on these grounds. The intention behind Niegel Smith’s walk is to uplift “our souls” as participants walk from a site of an American tragedy to a theater that supports the vitality of Black, Brown, and Queer performing artists. “The Worthy” will occur on June 19th at 11am, 1pm, and 3:30pm.
In addition to “The Worthy,” on June 19th the Flea will also produce “ISSUE MAN… JUNETEENTH,” presented by speaker, writer, teacher, and creative James Scruggs from 12pm-4pm. Additionally, at 1:10 pm on the 19th, scholar and artist Ebony Noelle Golden will be overseeing “The Blueing: Ceremonies from the Name of the Mother Tree.” Participants can expect “a collective ritual for water veneration” and are encouraged to bring water and a vessel. Finally, at 3pm at Roger and Tilden Community Garden, The Flea is offering “Time’s Up: A Liberation Ritual,” a participatory dance with the intention of honoring important liberation figures and activating “the spirit of NOW” by Chanon Judson. This event is in collaboration with the Haitian Cultural Exchange. More information on these activities is accessible at The Flea’s website. Tickets are free and must be reserved.
