Juneteenth 2026

Laura McClam is a local author and musician who will be joining us for a storytelling of her book, Be Patient and Wait. The book is inspired by her experience working in schools, particularly with children on the autism spectrum. Laura's book will be accompanied by her original music, which encourages everyone to get up and dance.

Ainissa Ramirez, author of the Black Innovators children’s book series, will offer a fun program where children can learn about inventions made by Black innovators—from the microphone to the Super Soaker to the ice cream scoop. In addition to the program, there will be hands-on experiments for kids. For children ages 8 to 12.

St. Luke's Steel Band (SLSB) was started in the fall of 1999 when Father Victor Rogers and a group of supporters from New Haven's historic St. Luke's Episcopal Church purchased a set of used steel pans from a band in Brooklyn. SLSB has been in existence for almost 30 years and regularly performs during services at St. Luke's Episcopal Church and also plays for concerts, festivals, benefits and private functions throughout the region. Their repertoire includes soca, calypso, reggae, classical, sacred, jazz, popular and island folk music.

Jazmi Zanders is the founder of Jazmiup Experience, a creative stylist, international hair artist, and author of Koral’s Big Hair Day. Through her salon, she is dedicated to empowering and educating salon guests on proper hair maintenance and overall hair health. Koral’s Big Hair Day was inspired by her daughters and her many years behind the chair; her book celebrates big, beautiful hair, the joy of embracing your crown, and the rite of passage of going to the salon for the very first time.

Join Emmy-nominated filmmaker, cartoonist, and creator Joe Young for an exciting Juneteenth-themed cartooning workshop featuring Kemet the Time Traveler comic and mascot. Participants will learn the basics of comic art and storytelling while creating their own original Juneteenth-inspired comic artwork. Youth will explore creativity, culture, and history through drawing and visual storytelling in a fun and engaging hands-on experience. Participants will also receive a certificate of completion following the workshop and a Kemet comic.