Honor Black Music Month

   The Missouri Historical Society is commemorating Juneteenth and celebrating Black Music Month with programs offered as part of the institution’s Freedom Month series. Freedom Month programs include a panel discussion examining the history of Juneteenth, a 13-mile social bike ride, a movie premiere, and a free, drop-in party celebrating the African-American experience and the legacy of Black music.

“The Freedom Month series reflects two aspects of the historic struggle for Black liberation,” said Shakia Gullette, manager of local history initiatives for the Missouri Historical Society. “The programming during the first half of the month focused specifically on the history of Juneteenth and the relevance and importance of the holiday. The second half of the month is all about Black music, which historically has been a way to subvert oppression and find freedom through the expression of lived experience.”

Freedom Month began with a program at the Missouri History Museum on June 4. Dr. Chris Tinson (Saint Louis University) and Faye Dant (Jim’s Journey: The Huck Finn Freedom Center) discussed Juneteenth’s significance to the study of American history, and its relevance to contemporary struggles for justice.

A Juneteenth Bicycle Ride, originally scheduled for Saturday, June 15, was postponed due to the St. Louis Blues Victory Parade. A new date for the 13-mile social bike ride through city streets will be announced. Participants will visit important landmarks throughout the city and learn about the history of the spot as storytellers, including the renowned Bobby Norfolk, bring to life the significance of this historic holiday.

On Tuesday, June 18, Background Check The Story of St. Louis and East St. Louis Hip Hop 1979-1995 Volume 1, debuted at the Missouri History Museum. The film tells the story of the hip-hop scene in the St. Louis region as told by the participants who lived it. The film’s producer DJ G. Wiz (95.5), DJ Kut (95.5), Cecil Parker, and D-Ex held a panel discussion immediately following the film.

“The story of Black music is the story of American music,” said Gullette. “It has influenced every musical sound that has been a part of American popular culture. DJ Nico Marie will close us out on June 21 during The Experience celebration.”

The final event of the Freedom Month series is The Experience: A Celebration of Culture. The public is invited to dance the night away at this free, drop-in party, which serves as a chance for community stakeholders to come together and celebrate Black music through the decades. DJ Nico Marie will provide music. Gourmet Soul will cater The Experience and cocktails will be available for purchase. Partygoers can take photos at the Candid Photo express booth, or explore the Flores Mexicanas: A Lindbergh Love Story exhibit.

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