JUNETEENTH -presented by BCA
PROJECT
Fiscal Host: Gift Collective
To commemorate the end of slavery and celebrate African American culture in Aotearoa
About
Black Creatives Aotearoa is planning a Juneteenth community celebration on 19 June 2026 at Ellen Melville Centre, marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrating the ongoing cultural, historical, and social significance of this moment.
This event is being led by African American members of our community and presented by Black Creatives Aotearoa. It will bring together 100–150 attendees from across the African diaspora and wider Auckland public for an evening of:
- Shared kai rooted in African American food traditions
- Live performance and music
- Storytelling and cultural exchange
- Community connection and education around Juneteenth
This is not just a community event. It is:
- One of the first public Juneteenth celebrations of this scale in Aotearoa
- A U.S.-rooted historical commemoration being held internationally
- A platform for African American voices living abroad to share culture and history
- An opportunity for the Embassy to support cultural diplomacy and community connection
Your support would directly enable:
- Authentic representation of American cultural traditions
- Increased visibility of African American history in an international context
- Strengthened relationships between the U.S. and African diaspora communities in Aotearoa
We are seeking your support to put on a FREE event open to all at the Ellen Melville Centre on Friday June 19th 2026 which will include authentic African-American food (catering for 100 people) performances by artists paying homage to African American culture and a team who are working around the clock to make this event the very FIRST of its kind in Aotearoa a truly memorable one.
There will be red foods and drinks (including grilled wings, corn bread, collard greens, red velvet cake and so much more) plus music, line dancing, card games and quiz - if we can pack everything in!
Be part of history. Be part of commemorating the incredible African-American culture that we too in Aotearoa are privileged to experience, celebrate and engage in!
Our team
Dione Joseph
Admin
Ahi
Admin
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