The Black Aura: A Celebration of Black Liberation

The KCAF is pleased to introduce The Black Aura: A Weekend of Liberation and the Arts.

The Black Aura is a response to the city's need to develop a greater sense of identity and clarity around the values associated with Juneteenth.  Scheduled to take place June 28-29, 2024, the weekend between Juneteenth and Independence Day, this artistic experience leverages the arts to illuminate the tensions in our histories and struggles, and the resiliency that has emerged.  Promising a broad array of experiences including performances, documentaries, workshops, the weekend will highlight the aura of “Blackness” and reflect the resilience & humanity of Black people in the arts. The weekend is designed to feature local artists, intentionally building upon and strengthening our collective sense of community in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood and beyond.

AGENDA Friday, June 28th – The Black Aura: A Celebration of Black Liberation

• 3:30p – 4:00p – Check-In & Registration (Main Entrance)
• 4:00p – 4:30p – Ribbon-cutting ceremony (Main Lobby)
• 4:30p – 5:15p – Panel begins (Main Stage)     
  • Afton Battle, VP, Lyric Unlimited & Artistic Operations, Former Miss Juneteenth Amarillo
  • Jarred Howard, CEO, The National Juneteenth Museum
  • Opal Lee, “Grandmother of the Juneteenth” The Opal’s Walk Campaign started as an initiative which aimed at gaining attention for Juneteenth to be made a National Holiday. Bill signed June 17, 2021.

• 5:15p – 5:45p – Break
• 5:45p – 6:30p – Defining Freedom in the 21st Century - Presented by LaRob Rafael  (Main Stage)
• 6:30p – 6:45p – Break
• 6:45p – 7:05p – A Collection of Freedom: Short Film Collection by Adam & Elliott Moving Pictures (Main Stage)  https://adamandelliott.com/ 2023 Emmy Award for Opal’s Walk for Freedom
• 7:05p – 7:15p – Q&A Wrap Up
• 7:15p -7:45p Break
• 8:00p – 9:00p – Musical Performances – Curated by Lyric Unlimited Vice President, Afton Battle (Main Stage)

NOTE: Breaks include access to facilities, art installations, concessions, etc.

Learn more and get tickets here.