Alkebu-lan Cultural Center Plans Art, Music, Cultural Heritage Juneteenth Focus – Pasadena Now

The Alkebu-lan Cultural Center in Pasadena is partnering with local artists and organizations to celebrate Juneteenth with a focus on art, music, and cultural heritage, according to Diane Lewis, the Center’s Executive Director. 

The events, which include African dancing and drumming, are set to happen Saturday, June 17th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Center at 1435 N. Raymond Ave.

Six to seven artists who have depicted the historical significance of Juneteenth in their works will be featured in the presentation, Lewis said. Additionally, children will have the opportunity to participate in art activities with the Art Armory, another Pasadena-based organization.

Lewis has also set up a display at the Jackie Robinson Center honoring the career and legacy of Tina Turner. “There’s a display at the Jackie Robinson Center, yes,” confirmed Lewis. The executive director sees this tribute as part of a broader effort to honor music during what she referred to as ‘music month.’

The event will be a collaboration among various groups in the city, including the NAACP and My Tribe Rise. According to Lewis, the decision to unite efforts stems from the numerous events happening concurrently in Pasadena.

The Juneteenth celebration aims to educate attendees, especially younger generations, about the history and cultural heritage related to the event.

Juneteenth commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States. Two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, news reached Texas and, upon learning they were free, former slaves immediately began celebrating with prayer, feasting, song and dance. Juneteenth is now a day to reflect and celebrate African American history and culture.

“I’m hoping that they will learn some significance,” said Lewis, who emphasized the importance of understanding who African Americans are, their history and culture.

Attendees will be invited to enjoy music from the era and food, further highlighting the African American culture. 

“I think the most important thing is the food and the art and the fact that we’re celebrating our heritage, which is so vital and so important,” Lewis added.

As the Executive Director of the Alkebu-lan Cultural Center, Lewis is also excited about an upcoming event at the center on June 24th, featuring an artist known as CHUs who will be doing a book signing and an art talk. The event will include a discussion on his collection of various statues.

Lewis invites all community members to join the events. “I just want to invite everyone to come out and relax and have a good day of music and art,” she said.