Juneteenth Cincinnati presents Voices of Freedom Series

By Mallory Feltz, Director of Exhbitions & Public Art  

For the fifth year, Juneteenth Cincinnati and Kennedy Heights Arts Center are teaming up to present Voices of Freedom, a visual and performing arts series examining Black history from a contemporary perspective, from February 15 to April 5.

The series includes an art exhibition and three performances, all taking place at Kennedy Heights Arts Center’s Lindner Annex, 6620 Montgomery Road.

“We are so excited to collaborate with Juneteenth Cincinnati and diverse artists in the region on this celebration of Black arts and expression,” said Kennedy Heights Arts Center executive director Ellen Muse.

The centerpiece of the project is a multi-disciplinary exhibition of new works by 10 local artists entitled Mother Earth: Let the Spirit Move. Curated by Cynthia Lockhart, this exhibit explores unconditional love through the symbolism of Mother Earth.

Mother Earth represents the strength and the power of unconditional Love, and she is a universal symbol for honor, integrity and fierce devotion. Mother Earth is a Black woman, and she is standing in Africa, the cradle of civilization amongst a blue twinkling sky with lush greenery, watching over all her descendants throughout the diaspora. 

Featured artists are Zuri Ali, Crystal Arnold, Larry Winston Collins, Cedric Cox, Carole Douglas, Jimi Jones, Ken Obasi Leslie, Tiffany McNeal, Ricci Michaels, and Randy Wilson.

 The public is invited to an Opening Reception on Saturday, February 15 from 6-8 p.m. with light refreshments and live music by The Last Boppers.

Voices of Freedom will also include a series of three performances on March 1, 15, and 29 featuring music, spoken word, and dance.

March 1: Rhythms of Resilience

Experience an evening where storytelling and music intertwine to explore the theme of hope in challenging times featuring the dynamic talents of MC/rapper Brandon Isaac, DJ Apryl Reign, and hip-hop violinist Preston Bell Charles. Curated by Alexander Stallings of WARMTH Culture, this performance blends soulful R&B, captivating beats, and personal journeys, delivering a message of resilience and unity.

March 15: Fusion of Hope

Immerse yourself in a bold expression of hope through the raw, experimental sounds of the inner city. This event brings together a stellar lineup of artists who blur genre boundaries: guitarist KAE Savage, poets Camille Jones and Kim “Duwaup” Bolden, multi-instrumentalist Jay Hill, and the soulful Zion band. From jazz fusion to hip-hop to spoken word, this dynamic performance curated by Alexander Stallings amplifies the pulse of the city in motion.

March 29: Vibrations of Joy

Celebrate the vibrancy of the African diaspora with Vibrations of Joy presented by Brazil Cincy Samba Dance. This dynamic performance showcases the rich cultural heritage of Brazilian dance, infused with the energy, color, and happiness of samba. Featuring dazzling choreography, cultural demonstrations, and opportunities for guest participation, this closing event of the Voices of Freedom series invites the audience to move, celebrate, and connect in a joyful expression.

All performances begin at 7:30 PM and will take place at the Kennedy Heights Arts Center Annex, 6620 Montgomery Road. Tickets are $15, with sliding-scale options available to ensure accessibility for all. For tickets and more information, visit kennedyarts.org or call 513-631-4278

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