Juneteenth unites artists around race
Canadian literature and theatre artists are spotlighting Black artists and anti-Black racism on Friday, a.k.a. Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of slaves in the U.S. In an event called #KidLit4BlackLivesCanada, a group of predominantly Black Canadian authors of books for young people will share stories, songs, poetry and other reflections to show solidarity with African Americans in the U.S., and to address race and racism in Canada. Author Nadia L. Hohn (“A Likkle Miss Lou”) will host the rally on Facebook Live and Zoom, at 7 p.m. for children, 7:45 p.m. for teens, and 8:15 p.m. for parents, educators and librarians. Also on Friday, Stratford Festival actor E.B. Smith and Shaw Festival actor Cherissa Richards will host “Friday Night at the GhostLight: This Little Light,” described as “a meeting of creative Black minds” to amplify the voices of Black artists and call out systemic racism in the theatre industry.
The event will include performances by soprano Measha Brueggergosman and musical theatre star Alexis Gordon, as well as a panel discussion involving Philip Akin, artistic director of Obsidian Theatre Company, and Quincy Armorer, artistic director of Black Theatre Workshop.
It will be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook Live at 8 p.m.