Celebrate African American freedom and achievement with a virtual extravaganza that delivers stories and experiences of Arkansans while delving into history, achievements, success and talents of local business owners, artists and musicians. Learn about Black history, excellence, culture and heritage.

Juneteenth is the oldest, nationally celebrated day commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. In Arkansas, “Juneteenth Independence Day” has been celebrated the third Saturday of every June since 2005. This year, Juneteenth officially falls on June 19, and MTCC is celebrating with a finale dedicated to African American musicians! Hear artists like Rodney Block, Akeem Kemp, Bijoux and The Big John Miller Band.

It was on June 19, 1865, that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the war was over and enslaved people were free. The news was met with jubilation and quickly spread across the region. The historic event, which came two-and-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, has been celebrated ever since.

Juneteenth Celebration

1 p.m. | June 17
MTCC is pleased to spotlight health care and related issues for Arkansas’s African American community. Join the livestream, starting at 1 p.m., for yoga, updates on COVID-19 and minority health. Learn from a cooking demonstration and talk about mental health (and health care) issues with panelists during a livestream forum. “Black Health: COVID-19 and Mental Health” will start at 7 p.m. on the MTCC Facebook page. Panelists include ShaRhonda Love, Michael Murry, Charmaine Beasley and Shannon Hendrix. Dr. Jerrilyn Jones will moderate.

1 p.m. | June 18
Arkansas is filled with Black-owned businesses that showcase achievement and excellence. Located on Ninth Street, where “The Black Business District” once thrived, MTCC is dedicated to telling the stories and histories of Arkansas’s African American business entrepreneurs. On Juneteenth, the museum supports, honors and highlights Black businesses in Arkansas with a series of virtual events. Arkansans are invited to tune in to livestream sessions on financial literacy and home buying and to join a panel discussion on Black businesses in Arkansas. The forum, “Black Business: Making the Most of Your Personal Networks,” starts at 7 p.m. on the MTCC Facebook page. Panelists are Tamara Bates, Christean Bell, Scott Green, Maximillian R. X. Sprinkle and Wesley Peters. BK Simmons will moderate.

1 p.m. | June 19
This Juneteenth, help MTCC celebrate the music of African American artists. June is African American Music Appreciation Month, and MTCC will spotlight local talent in partnership with the Arkansas Arts Council during a livestream event on the MTCC Facebook page. The virtual, music extravaganza starts at 1 p.m. with artists including Rodney Block, Akeem Kemp, Bijoux and The Big John Miller Band.