Watershed Voice recently spoke with Yolonda Lavender, singer/songwriter, curator, composer, arranger, and performing artist from Kalamazoo, who also happens to be the “Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom” event organizer.

Lavender, the CEO of Soul Artistry LLC, has assembled “a virtual lineup of some of the most highly regarded Black creatives in Kalamazoo,” whose performances will be streamed live on Facebook and projected onscreen at The Huss Project in Three Rivers on Friday, June 19 from 1-5 p.m.

Guests attending the livestream in person at The Huss Project, located at 1008 8^th St., are encouraged to “stop by and head out as (they) please during that time frame,” according to the event’s Facebook page. Attendees are also asked to wear masks and practice social distancing while enjoying food and entertainment, and supporting local vendors.

Note: The following interview took place electronically via email on Wednesday, June 17 and was conducted by Watershed Voice Executive Editor Alek Haak-Frost.

Alek Haak-Frost: Could you provide some background information for folks who aren’t familiar with Juneteenth and how it is honored/celebrated? 

Yolonda Lavender: Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates the liberation of African descendants. It is honored among those of the African diaspora nationally via celebrations consisting of family, community and Black joy! 

AHF: Why is it important to acknowledge this day each year and how can those new to Juneteenth raise awareness of the holiday in their own lives?

YL: It is important to acknowledge Juneteenth because it recognized the liberation of African descendants. Celebrating Juneteenth out loud and unapologetically is what raises the awareness of it!

AHF: What will Friday entail? What should folks expect, and is there anything they need to do prior to the event?

YL: The 2020 Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom will be held virtually on June 19, 2020 via the Soul Artistry LLC Facebook page. Those who tune in can look forward to live performances, the celebration of Black liberation and Black joy!  

AHF: What does Juneteenth mean to you and how did this event come to fruition? 

YL: Juneteenth to me is a moment to just be. To experience Black joy. To share it and be a part of it. Soul Artistry LLC has been curating Juneteenth experiences since 2013.

AHF: Which performers, speakers are scheduled to appear Friday?

YL: Performers that will be featured for the 2020 Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom are Yolonda Lavender, DJ Boogie, Great Dane, DC, Heather Mitchell and DJ Conscious. The event will be live streamed on the Soul Artistry LLC Facebook page and everyone is encouraged to tune in!

Alek Haak-Frost is executive editor of Watershed Voice.

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