Carver Community Center Juneteenth Summer Celebration 2024
The Carver Community Center and Kokomo Housing Authority’s annual Juneteenth Summer Celebration is a vibrant testament to community spirit, cultural heritage and the ongoing journey toward equality. From 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 15 in Foster Park, you can experience the significance for yourself.
Held in commemoration of Juneteenth, the celebration marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom.
Cooks prepare food at the 2023 Carver Community Center Summer Celebration
Photo Provided | Derick Steele
"This is going to be, in my opinion, bigger than it was last year," JC Barnett, executive director of the Carver Community Center said.
“With such a team effort from the Carver Community Center and Kokomo Housing Authority – it’s going to be a great product for the community, us working together the way that we have,” said Barnett.
This year’s celebration is set to offer an unforgettable experience with a diverse lineup of activities designed to educate, entertain and inspire.
The day will kick off at 3 p.m. with a prayer, the National Anthem and the Black National Anthem, setting the tone for a day grounded in the historical significance of Juneteenth.
Following the opening ceremony, attendees can immerse themselves in a vibrant marketplace featuring local artists and businesses, food vendors and community resources.
Among the featured vendors are Lexi’s Drink Barn, 1001 Moves & Flavors, The Dog House, Ojo Weave N Wigs, LilBit of This-n-That, Giovanni's Sweet Italian Ice, The Local BBQ, Carver Cafe, Spices of Smoke, Hacienda of Kokomo and more.
“It’s gonna be good stuff,” said Barnett.
No Summer Celebration at Foster Park would be complete without music and dance. The event will feature a lineup of talented artists, starting with the Shamaniax Drum Circle, promising to captivate the audience with its powerful beats and communal spirit.
The music headliners are Binky Griptite Super Soul Revue, an icon in the modern soul world, who made history with Sharon Jones and Amy Winehouse as an emcee and guitarist of The Dap Kings.
Local community members and artists will also be showcased through spoken word poetry and a special appearance by comedian Chris Tucker.
“When the music starts playing, people are throwing down on some food, people are laughing — that’s what brings me joy,” Barnett said.
At its heart, the Juneteenth Summer Celebration is about community and education, Barnett said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the reaction of the community,” he said. “At my core, I am an artist, and I’m always observing things from a different perspective.”