The City of Charleston’s Office of Cultural Affairs is hosting its annual Juneteenth Celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 19 on Ann Street between King Street and Meeting Street. This years’ commemoration of the end of enslavement will be its biggest yet.
The Juneteenth Block Party & History Lesson, produced by Chew Entertainment, the Power 2 Inspire Foundation and the Office of Cultural Affairs, will feature a powerhouse concert led by Ray Chew, Music Director of "Dancing with the Stars," who is curating an all-star group of musicians to play homage to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
The Office of Cultural Affairs is seeking one young, talented youth performer (ideally male between the ages of 8 and 14) to depict the young Michael from his Jackson 5 era, who will join the ensemble to sing some of their most beloved hits. Parents of performers who may be interested in this opportunity are encouraged to submit a 30-second video by June 1 for consideration at Juneteenth. Submit videos here.
Chew Entertainment also looking to hire local professional horn musicians (specifically trumpet, trombone, and saxophone) to join the band. There will be a required rehearsal June 18, but musicians should be able to prepare using provided charts ahead of time. Interested parties can submit here.
The celebration will open with a special performance by beloved Charleston gospel artist Javetta Campbell and for the first time we will have a history lesson about Gadsden Wharf by professor, local historian, and MOJA Arts Festival storyteller, Damon L. Fordham.
"It is so important for Charleston residents, and visitors to Charleston, to know the role that this city played in building America," said Rochelle Riley, Director of Cultural Affairs for the City. "Every child in America should be taught as much about Gadsden Wharf as they are about the Mayflower."
Gadsden's Wharf is the historic waterfront site recognized as one of the largest disembarkation points for enslaved Africans in North America. Completed by slave labor in 1772, the 840-foot wharf was the largest in North America at the time. It served as the primary entry point for captured people between 1783 and 1808 before the U.S. banned the international slave trade. Historians estimate that an estimated 100,000 enslaved Africans arrived at its docks, meaning up to 40 percent of all enslaved Africans brought to the United States arrived there first. Because of its historical magnitude, it is often referred to as the "Ellis Island for African Americans.” Today, it is the location of the International African American Museum (IAAM), which was built on pillars to honor and preserve the wharf.
In addition to a lineup of local food trucks and vendors, the Juneteenth celebration also will feature "Gullah Village,” created by transforming the Charleston Visitor Center bus depot into a cultural marketplace featuring wares by Lowcountry artisans.
The event is being planned by the Office of Cultural Affairs and The Power 2 Inspire Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2013 by Chew and his wife/business partner, music industry executive Vivian Scott Chew. Power 2 Inspire works to empower young people in the music industry and create opportunities for talented musicians, singers, songwriters, and business executives who share a passion for creating “music with a heart.” It hosts mentorship programs that OCA wants to share with Charleston youth.
"We do more than just shape talent; we reinforce the values of preparation and resilience," said Vivian Scott Chew. "While creating a more equitable entertainment landscape through our many initiatives, our focus is on nurturing young people who will, in turn, inspire and uplift others."
Charleston youth interested in careers in music are encouraged to apply for Power's Virtual Summer Internship/Mentorship program at www.power2inspire.org/Applications. Applications