‘It’s important that people learn history’: Gantt marks Juneteenth in Charlotte
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture marked Juneteenth with a daylong celebration featuring live music, educational programming, art activities and discussions exploring the holiday’s history and significance.
Read more Nearly 3 inches of rain fell in parts of Charlotte region. Here are the totals
The event brought together local artists, historians, vendors and community organizations for an event centered on freedom, culture and community. It also included guided museum tours, a screening of the PBS documentary “Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom” and a closing musical performance by A Sign of the Times.
For Ingrid Travis James, the Gantt Center’s director of marketing and communications, the event represented both a celebration and an opportunity for education.
“It’s a joy for me to work at the Gantt Center and be immersed in this year-round,” James said. “Part of our mission is making sure we bring African American and African diaspora arts and culture to the Charlotte region.”
James said Juneteenth has become increasingly important as more Americans learn about the history behind the holiday, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.
“We didn’t get that education when we were younger growing up in the school system,” she said. “It’s nice for us to learn more about it, and I’m still learning every day.”
One of this year’s highlights was a panel discussion featuring scholars and historians from UNC Charlotte and the local community. James said the conversation focused not only on the history of Juneteenth, but also on how people continue to honor its spirit through community engagement and activism.
The event also featured several newer additions, including a live painting activation by Charlotte artist Curtis King and a large-scale exhibition showcasing Black abstraction from the Gantt Center’s collection.
Read more Duke professor, co-founder of lemur center, civil rights crusader, dies at 95
“We have one giant exhibition focusing on Black abstraction throughout all of our galleries,” James said. “We’re happy to have that this year.”
James said the event aligns closely with the vision that inspired the founding of the institution, originally established as the Afro-American Cultural Center before becoming the Harvey B. Gantt Center.
“The vision was having a central community center to have arts and culture and gatherings and celebrations and discussions and activations,” James said. “That foundation continues to this day.”
At a time when discussions about history and culture can become politically divisive, James said the importance of Juneteenth programming remains unchanged.
“I think it’s important in good times, in difficult times and in chaotic times,” she said. “No matter what’s going on in society or in the world, it’s important that people learn history.”
She believes arts institutions like the Gantt Center play a critical role in preserving those stories and fostering understanding across communities.
“The arts are the heartbeat and soul of the community,” James said. “It’s important for us to continue standing during these times.”
Read more Harding seniors surprised with free suits, dresses for graduation, thanks to CMS leader
