2023 Juneteenth Celebration

Join us for The Amistad Center’s 32nd annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the Wadsworth Museum in Hartford. This event is Greater Hartford’s premier and longest running Juneteenth event commemorating emancipation, history, and culture.

In the beautiful museum setting HARTford & SOUL guests will experience the soundtrack of American history-jazz, gospel, reggae, hip-hop and the Motown sound performed by local musicians; view Merik Goma’s provocative photography exhibition in The Amistad Center’s gallery; dance the night away with friends old and new; and enjoy delicious cuisine.

At the Celebration, we will be honored to present the 2023 Spirit of Juneteenth awards to renowned jazz saxophonist, Jimmy Greene and activist and founder of The Ana Grace Project, Nelba Marquez-Greene in recognition of their enormous contributions to our community. We will also honor Sanford Biggers an award-winning, international multimedia visual artist and sculptor whose work explores often-overlooked cultural and political narratives from American history. All three of our honorees have had profound impact on our culture and raise the importance of Black voices.

Proceeds from the evening will provide significant support for The Amistad Center’s education programs, exhibitions, collection care, and operations.

Evening Program

Hosted by the Hon. Shawn T. Wooden, Former Connecticut State Treasurer, and Leslie Mayes, Anchor, NBC Connecticut.

• Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres | Premier Reception (Sponsors and Invited Guests) – 6 pm
• Dinner Stations | Hosted Bar | Presentation of Spirit of Juneteenth Awards | Entertainment - 7 pm
• Divine Desserts & Dancing until 11 pm
• Fine and Local Art Sale
• Silent Auction
• Dancing under the stars in Gengras Court with DJ Ronn P and DJ Dane
• African drumming welcome by Leonard Epps
• Choral performances by The Voices of Hartford
• R&B/Soul by Tony Harrington & Touch Band

Attire: Festive/Cocktail (Afro Centric encouraged)

Complimentary parking* available in the Travelers garage on Prospect Street next to The Hartford Club. (*purchases must be made and drivers' names provided by June 9 to ensure parking access)

Individual tickets are available now: $250 per person. Select "Get tickets" to complete your online purchase.

Guests must be age 21 or older.

NO TICKET SALES AT THE DOOR

Join us as a sponsor. Opportunities available $1,000 - $50,000. If you would like to learn more, please contact The Amistad Center for Art & Culture via email at owhite@amistadcenter.org.