Freedom Fest 2012 promises to be an exciting time in Richmond city with an eight day commemoration and celebration of freedom! The City of Richmond’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ Office of Cultural Arts Programs has collaborated with community organizations to bring history and culture to citizens, non-profits organizations and interest groups all under one umbrella. It all starts on this Friday, June 15 with a book signing and jazz reception at the Elegba Folklore Society as they host author and lawyer Mary Blevins Cox from 5 – 8 p.m. Her new book is entitled “A Journey to Justice: Fire in My Belly: Love in My Soul”. Then on Saturday, things really heat up as the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia opens its doors at 11 a.m. While there, guests have an opportunity to find out more about their heritage by placing their name in a drawing for a DNA test with African Ancestry. There will also be food and art sketches as well as children’s activities, shopping and an exhibit entitled “Shackles”. Later that evening at Ancarrow’s Landing, guests can join the Elegba Folklore Society on a trek through the parks system to relive a dark moment in history. While there, many will hear the voices of the past in reenactments and witness moments in time. But not all of the Freedom Fest activities carry the weight of the past.

“What’s new and most exciting about this year’s performing arts event is the Dogwood Dell Festival of Arts concert with the James “Saxmo” Gates Trio and The Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet in the amphitheater on Tuesday, June 19 at 7 and 8 p.m. There will also be an Open House starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Carillon with light food and performance art by Ezibu Muntu African Dance Company and negro spiritual song by the staff of Cultural Arts. I am glad to see the community support the efforts of unity and we hope that several more organizations join us in our journey to enhance what the community is doing to pay homage to those enslaved Africans who have been a part of the historic fabric of our region” says Cultural Arts Manager Brian C. Little, Sr.

The activities continue thru June 23 at several different locations throughout the city with many opportunities to learn about history, reflect on the past and move forward.

For more information about the activities associated with Freedom Fest, please call 646-5733, or visit www.richmondgov.com\parks and select cultural arts.

FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES
FRIDAY, JUNE 15
Book Signing & Jazz Reception (Free)
5 – 8 p.m. at Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 East Broad Street
Join Freedom Festival goers and meet attorney/author Mary Blevins Cox at a reading and signing of her book, “A Journey to Justice: Fire in My Belly: Love in My Soul,” with a jazz concert and reception featuring the Bill Lowe Trio. Light refreshments, cash bar, art and unique gifts to browse and buy.

SATURDAY, JUNE 16
A Juneteenth Celebration (Free)
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, 00 Clay Street
Celebrate Juneteenth with a sampling of African American food, free profile sketches by Greg Paige, and children’s crafts. Learn more about the middle passage with an exhibit entitled “Shackles,” co-curated by the Black History Museum in conjunction with The Boys and Girls Club of Metro Richmond. Buy a raffle ticket and win a chance to receive a quilt by Sisters of the Yam. You may also register to win a DNA test kit from African Ancestry. (You must be present to win.)

Juneteenth 2012, A Freedom Celebration by the Elegba Folklore Society “Reflections”
1 – 11 p.m. at Manchester Dock, Ancarrow’s Landing, 1308 Bander Street
1 p.m. Pre-festival Dance Workshops
3 – 8 p.m. Festival with performances, speakers, exhibits, a Freedom Market and children’s activities to guide us in reflecting on history
Food will be available. Cultural attire encouraged.
8 – 11 p.m. The Slave Trail – Take a walk along a torch lit path in the James River Park and learn of the experiences of enslaved Africans through storytelling and song.

Transportation will be provided for elders and others who are unable to walk and return to their cars.

Art-Rising
A Companion Exhibition (Free)
Ongoing during regular operating hours through June 30 at Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 East Broad Street

(Re)Purposed Art, Wearables & Music by Voodo Fé
A Brooklynite of Haitian parents, Voodo Fé is regarded as one of the industry’s edgiest and most innovative multimedia artists. He is adept at seeing beauty and usefulness in the discarded objects he finds. He has developed a signature style centering the political and socially conscious, as well as whimsical caricatures.

SUNDAY, JUNE 17
Day of Reflection
Churches are requested to read the Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ proclamation of freedom in their services. Visit www.richmondgov.com to download a copy

TUESDAY, JUNE 19
A Night of Live Music!! (Free)
6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Dogwood Dell Amphitheater at the corner of Garrett Street and Blanton Avenue
6:30 p.m. Freedom Drum Circle on the lawn led by Rham Bhagat – Bring your drum & sit-in.
7 p.m. James Gates Trio (jazz)
8 p.m. Jason Marsalis Vibes Trio (jazz)

Marcus D. Wiley Comedian (Free)
7 p.m. at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church, 4247 Creighton Road,
Join national gospel/radio personality “Bishop Secular” of the Yolanda Adams Morning Show in concert. For more information call (804) 643-4000.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20
Elegba Folklore Society Presents: African American Reflections on the Civil War (dance theatre)

7 p.m. at Pine Camp Arts and Community Center, 4901 Old Brook Road
Witness the lives and roles of Africans and Africa’s descendants unfold in this drama that informs and empowers. Music and dance punctuate the stories of the spirit and magic of Africa, conditions of enslavement, resistance, the Black Dispatchers, United States Colored Troops, women in support, the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment. 90 minutes with an intermission.

Marcus D. Wiley Comedian (Free)
7 p.m. at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church, 4247 Creighton Road
Join national gospel/radio personality “Bishop Secular” of the Yolanda Adams Morning Show in concert. For more information call (804) 643-4000.

THURSDAY, JUNE 21
Marcus D. Wiley Comedian (Free)
7 p.m. at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church, 4247 Creighton Road
Join national gospel/radio personality “Bishop Secular” of the Yolanda Adams Morning Show in concert. For more information call (804) 643-4000.

SATURDAY, JUNE 23
Richmond Boys Choir
4 p.m. at Coburn Hall, Virginia Union University, 1500 North Lombardy Street
Join Richmond’s ambassadors of song in a concert entitled “Dare to Dream” featuring a medley of musical styles in a cappella, choral arrangement and other traditions. For more information call (804) 788-6404. Tickets are $10 and may be also purchased at the door.