Bedford, Pound Ridge to co-host Juneteenth celebration

BEDFORD HILLS, N.Y. — The towns of Bedford and Pound Ridge will co-host a Juneteenth celebration on Friday, June 19, featuring live music, dance, community art-making and reflection on the meaning of freedom in America.

The event, titled “Rev Up Juneteenth,” will take place from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Bedford Hills Community House and is open to the public.

Organizers said the program will honor Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, while exploring local history within the broader context of America’s 250th anniversary.

The celebration will begin with opening remarks and a moment of silence honoring formerly enslaved individuals connected to local communities.

Attendees will then experience an original interdisciplinary performance by dancer and choreographer Claude Johnson and drummer Orion Turre. Through movement and live percussion, the artists will present a three-part suite examining the evolving meaning of freedom, from the experiences of enslaved Africans during the nation’s founding to the arrival of emancipation and the continuing pursuit of freedom today.

Visual artist Shanequa Benitez will also lead a participatory collage-making workshop for attendees of all ages. Using materials created specifically for the event, participants will explore themes of freedom, history and personal reflection while creating artwork to take home.

Organizers said the event is intended to encourage reflection on both the promises and unfinished work of American freedom while fostering community dialogue and engagement.

The celebration is sponsored in partnership with ArtsWestchester.

For more information, contact the event organizers.

Article courtesy of the Town of Bedford