On June 19th, 1865, some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, to announce and enforce the freedom of more than 250,000 enslaved Black individuals. The Emancipation Proclamation and Thirteenth Amendment had previously gone into effect, but freedom granted wasn’t realized until Galveston Bay came under Union control. Thus, June 19th came to be known as “Juneteenth” by the newly freed people in Texas. 

Juneteenth gets celebrated in various ways across the United States, but there’s an extraordinary celebration planned in Norfolk this year. In honor and celebration of Juneteenth, Smartmouth is throwing a giant outdoor block party celebrating Black prosperity and creativity. This weekend’s Juneteenth Solstice Festival will not disappoint. 

Nomarama will be putting together an all-star lineup of Black-owned restaurants, food trucks, and chefs that will blow your taste buds away. Bar-Q will be there with perfectly smoked barbecue, Crop Circle Gourmet is bringing Caribbean cuisine courtesy of Chef Theo, and Umami Dogs is classing up hot dogs like never before. You better come hungry!

Utopia Feni curates artists and vendors for a phenomenal retail experience showcasing some of our community’s finest talent. We’re talking about the skills of Art by Benji,  Polished Concrete, La Lolita Vintage, CurlyDaze,  Alyssa Pickens, Rain Spann, and Jades Temple. The newest statement piece for your wardrobe or fresh canvas for your wall will be waiting for you here.  

Lastly, Sweet Brother Touring has assembled a musical lineup of the 757’s brightest local talent. Headlined by Gabe Niles and Koren Grace; the day includes a litany of local talent. Up and comers Dariel Clark and Cam Murdoch will be two sets that you won’t want to miss. Throughout the day, there will be no shortage of absolute jams to grace your ears. 

Of course, it wouldn’t be appropriate to celebrate without giving back to the community. So $1 from every pint of beer will be donated to the Urban League of Hampton Roads. If you aren’t familiar with the Urban League, you’ve got some reading to do. The National Urban League is the nation’s oldest and largest community-based movement empowering Black Americans. Its Hampton Roads chapter has an outsized impact; programs like Project Ready and Access Granted are easily some of the most effective in generating progress. 

We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate and support the creative talent here in Hampton Roads this Juneteenth. 

Utopia Feni Art Market | 12-6 PM

Nomarama Food Pop-up Market | 3-9 PM

Find more information here. 

Paul Stetson Rice

Chelsea, NFK

Paul is the creator of NFKVA.com. He was born and raised in Norfolk, graduated from Virginia Tech, and narrowly avoided law school. Chat with him about economics, entrepreneurship, hip-hop, and hiking. When he's not working on five different projects, you'll catch him sharing a beer with friends at a local brewery. Go Hokies!

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