IAAM to Host Annual Juneteenth Celebration: J.O.Y. - Juneteenth on the Yard

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The International African American Museum (IAAM) is getting ready for its signature Juneteenth celebration, J.O.Y. | Juneteenth on the Yard, an annual multi-generational program centered around joy, reflection, culture, and community. This year's program will take place on Thursday, June 19, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at IAAM’s African Ancestors Memorial Garden.

J.O.Y. | Juneteenth on the Yard invites guests to explore African American history while celebrating Black freedom and expression through music, dance, storytelling, and fellowship. The museum will also offer complimentary admission all day, with guests encouraged to pre-register for timed-entry tickets from our official website. Walk-ups will be accepted based on capacity.

 “Juneteenth is a moment of remembrance and celebration — a chance to honor the resilience, resistance, and boundless creativity that define the African American story,” said IAAM’s Public Historian Brandon Reid. “At IAAM, we believe in embracing the full spectrum of that story, and joy is a vital part of it. I can think of no better place to gather than our African Ancestors Memorial Garden — a space designed to honor both the weight of our history and the beauty of our becoming.”

The program will feature a full day of activities and performances throughout the African Ancestors Memorial Garden, including key activity zones such as the Ubuntu Village, Adorned | Black Beauty Bazaar, and the mainstage, all opening at 12:00 PM.

Program Highlights Include:

  • Live DJ Set by Deejay Rubin (12:00 PM)
  • Z93 Jamz Live Radio Show with Host Riecy G. broadcasting live from the African Ancestors Memorial Garden (beginning at 12:30 PM)
  • Mainstage Production featuring Welcome & Remarks and Artist Performances (beginning at 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM)

Featured Performers:

  • HEADLINER | Mumu Fresh: Grammy-nominated vocalist, cultural ambassador, and globally acclaimed performer.
  • Wona Womalan: Charleston-based ensemble preserving traditional West African drumming and dance.
  • Jordan Maria: Charleston-based movement artist known for expressive choreography and community-rooted dance practice.
  • The Mahoganee Xperience: A multimedia performance group led by Gullah Geechee artist Mahoganee Amiger, fusing music, spoken word, and cultural storytelling.
  • Riecy G: Dynamic radio and TV personality bringing her New York flair to Charleston’s airwaves as the host of Z93Jamz’s top-rated midday show.
  • Deejay Rubin: Master of genre-blending with over 15 years of experience and whose high-energy sets have lit up celebrity events, festivals, and more across the country.

Additional Activations:

  • Adorned | Black Beauty Bazaar: Curated by Charleston Black Expo, this marketplace celebrates Black creativity, entrepreneurship, and self-expression, featuring local Black-owned businesses offering products and services themed around Haircare, Makeup, Fashion, and Wellness.
  • Ubuntu Village (Kids' Corner): A joyful space for children and families to engage in hands-on activities, cultural crafts, storytelling, and games, rooted in the African philosophy "I am because we are.”