Juneteenth Public Performances

“There is no better way for Americans to celebrate Juneteenth than by experiencing Black art.”

This annual project commemorates our newest national holiday with a series of free, open-to-the-public performances commissioned by The Flea and curated by Artistic Director, Niegel Smith. Happening all over New York City, each performance is unique to the artist in relationship with their environment and their audience. The art will take you on a journey of Black liberation through joy, hope, queerness, and resistance.

  • 2021

    Imani Uzuri
    "Jus' Like a Tree Planted by the Water"

    Chanon Judson
    “Times Up! A Liberation Ritual”

    James Scruggs
    “Ask Me About Juneteenth”

    Niegel Smith
    “The Worthy”

  • 2022

    James Scruggs
    "ISSUE MAN… JUNETEENTH!"

    Chanon Judson
    "Time’s Up: A Liberation Ritual"

    Ebony Noelle Golden
    "The Blueing: Ceremonies from In the Name of The Mother Tree"

    Black and Brown Equity Coalition of Fire Island
    "Mx. Juneteenth Fire Island Drag Pageant"

    Niegel Smith
    "The Worthy"

  • 2023

    Trebien Pollard
    "moving stories of liberation and truth…"

    Jack Fuller
    "Thoughts and Involuntary Mantras"

    Shelley Nicole
    "Freedom is Free: Rest, Restoration, Remembering and Restitution"

    Niegel Smith
    "The Worthy"

  • 2024

    Chicava Honeychild + DuYe Moves
    "Liberation Play"

    "Flea Dream Machine"

    Niegel Smith
    "The Worthy"

Juneteenth Public Performance Commissions are made possible, in part, by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and discretionary funding from the office of New York City Council Member Christopher Marte,
District 1.