Juneteenth is a celebration to recognize the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday also gave American Corporations a chance to create opportunities and speak out against racism and injustice following George Floyd’s killing in May 2020. As activists called together the masses to march in the streets all around the world shouting Black Lives Matter, Black Businesses Matter artists created some of the most outspoken work against racial injustice and inequality in this Century. Black business owners were also able to benefit as corporations highlighting their new businesses, products, hiring their services, and making space for more diverse executive leaders and board members.
Adding to the integrity of the Juneteenth holiday Agape Creative Boutique & Agape Collective brings together Internationally known artists from/based in Chicago for the first Black Art Walk in prominent and favorite tourist locations. Black businesses and community organizations will feature their products and services at the Momentum Cafe Vendor Pop Up Market. The event is free to the public.
“We are excited to celebrate art, culture, and entrepreneurship. Our goal is to blanket this city with love in every form and to allow our creativity and businesses to manifest in alignment. Our culture runs deep throughout this nation in work and sacrifice. That truth should be represented in the same light and on the same streets that our ancestors built and in every community, not just the west and south side.” expresses Nicole Murry.
Education & Art Align
Date: Friday, June 18, 2021 Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Agape Art Walk and Momentum Coffee Chicago 2119 S. State St
Youth Connection Charter School Social Justice Institute Students, Mogul Nation students will join together to participate in the Black Art Walk before it opens to the public. The walk will culminate with lunch at Momentum Cafe and questions and answer session with the artists and students hosted by Michelle Dunham, Attorney, and Professional Female Football Player and advocate for gender equality in sports.
Alignment Press Conference and Breakfast
Date: Saturday, June 19, 2021 Time: 9 am – 11 am Media Check-In: 9 am
Red, Black & Green artist ribbon cutting. Onsite artist interview opportunities, Artist meet and greet, welcome toast, support shop, and get information about the art walk. Start at Momentum to pick up the art walk map and vendor list.
Agape Black Art Walk & Business Alignment
Date: Saturday, June 19, 2021 Time: 10am – 3 pm
Location: Momentum Coffee Cafe 2119 S. State St.
Momentum Coffee Cafe Juneteenth Pop Up Experience that unites new businesses, businesses, and community organizations under one roof with two dozen vendors and organizations.
Art Walk Artists & Locations:
Piece: 44 Artist: Robert Lewis Clark
Location: Nordstrom 55 E. Grand Ave.
44 is an ode to President Barack Obama, First Black President and the 44th President of the United States.12-6 pm The artist will host an in-store signing of 100 limited printed copies of the piece.
Piece: Demand Justice Artist: Maxwell
Location: Buckingham Fountain 301 S. Columbus Dr.
It is an exhibit that brings home visuals of two African-American icons who both fought and demanded justice Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. Located in one of the city’s popular tourist attractions serves as a daily reflection that we still must demand justice.
Piece: Original Baldwin Artist: Roger J. Carter
A Collection of four multi-dimensional Toy Soldiers.
Location: Water Tower Place 835 Michigan Ave.
The mixed media piece of James Baldwin a prominent voice for Black Culture along with other works will be featured throughout the first and second floor of the mall.
Closing Reception
Location: Bureau Bar and Restaurant 2115 S. State St.
Date: Saturday, June 19, 2021 Time: 3 pm — 10 pm
End the art walk at one of the Chicago staples in the African American Community to view additional work by artists Roger J. Carter and Robert Lewis Clark.
Kick-off your Juneteenth celebrations with some of these culture-filled events.
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