On Saturday, June 15th, 2024, the spirit of Seneca Village (just minutes from Harlem) will be reignited in Central Park, NY.
The event will be part of the Central Park Conservancy hosts its annual Juneteenth 2024 celebration.
This vibrant event invites all to honor the “Spirit of Community” that defined this once-thriving African American settlement through rousing musical performances and family-friendly activities.
What’s In Store
Live Music Rhythms
The blues, evolving from the folk traditions of enslaved Africans and spirituals, will fill the air. Vocalists Brianna Thomas and Chinah Black, alongside saxophonist T.K. Blue, will breathe life into this soulful genre that echoes Seneca Village’s resilient spirit.
Family Fun Galore
Imagine the games once played by Seneca Village’s children as Kaiser’s Room presents an interactive, multi-sensory theater experience designed for visitors of all abilities to enjoy.
Spiritual Legacy
Representatives from two of Seneca Village’s three churches – All Angels’ and AME Zion – will be present to communicate the enduring legacy of the African Union Church, a cornerstone of the community.
Artistic Expressions
Explore Seneca Village’s rich heritage through art. The Sugar Hill Children’s Museum offers a printmaking workshop, while the Studio Museum in Harlem hosts a nature-inspired art activity. Additionally, engage with the BIPOC farmers from the Corbin Hill Food Project in a thought-provoking discussion.
Seneca Village’s Story
Before Central Park’s creation, the area from West 82nd to 89th Street was home to Seneca Village, a predominantly African American community where many owned property. Tragically, the City acquired the land through eminent domain to build the Park, displacing roughly 1,600 residents.
This Juneteenth, join the Conservancy in celebrating the enduring legacy of Seneca Village and its residents’ indomitable spirit.
When: Saturday, June 15, 2024, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Where: Enter at West 85th Street and Central Park West, then explore the Seneca Village landscape.
For the full lineup of events, visit the Conservancy’s Juneteenth in Seneca Village webpage.
Photo credit: Seneca Village, an African American village that once stood in what is now Central Park, NY, circa 1850.
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