By Jade Norden, University Communications
The Afro-Caribbean inspired menu – from reception bites to dessert – is presented as part of the immersive Juneteenth and Beyond experience, where food, art and performance come together.
Photo by University Communications
When
The University of Arizona is celebrating Juneteenth with its third annual Juneteenth and Beyond program, highlighting the cultural legacy and lasting influence of Black expression.
The event, open to campus and community members, takes place on Thursday, June 25, from 4-6 p.m. at Centennial Hall. Tickets are $20 and are available online. Registrants will also receive a complimentary T-shirt while supplies last.
Guests attending “Juneteenth and Beyond: The Art of Black Culture Through Movement” won’t just watch a performance – they’ll be immersed in one. From the opening reception to the final course of an Afro-Caribbean-inspired dinner, music, dance and storytelling will unfold around attendees seated on the Centennial Hall stage.
“We’ll have dinner on the stage with beautiful floral tablescapes, a fun layout and lighting that adds texture to make you feel like you’re a part of the performance,” said Johnique Woods, associate director for event planning with Student Unions, who is coordinating and designing the event.
The program will feature a dynamic performance by community dancers from the School of Dance’s Theatre of Movement, choreographed by Duane Cyrus, the school’s director. It will be accompanied by live music from Freddy Jay Walker, a Tucson composer. Together, the dance and music are designed to honor and celebrate generations of Black culture.