In one of Dallas’s historic neighborhoods and former freemen’s towns comes its first-ever Juneteenth on Main Block Party.
Since its formation over 150 years ago , Deep Ellum has been a hub of ignominious business , culture , and music . While the region still stands strong , many Deep Ellum patron reel over the rapid gentrification taking place within the blocks , as well as the closure of iconic medicine locale . This coming Juneteenth weekend , the Deep Ellum Foundation aim to remind the city of the neighborhood ’s meaning to the grim residential district . On Sunday , June 18 , the vicinity will host its first - ever Juneteenth celebration , theJuneteenth on Main Block Party .
Juneteenth , which became a Union vacation in 2021 , recognise the emancipation of enslave peoples . The day is particularly significant in Texas , as this was the mean solar day the news reach Galveston , Texas in 1865 , and Texas was the last state to become aware of emancipation . It was the first state , however , to advocate for and install Juneteenth as an prescribed vacation in 1980 thanks in a big part to Texan Opal Lee . The tradition of jubilee lives on in Deep Ellum this month .
“ In the Black community , we typically would have cube parties in our neighborhoods , ” enounce Will Haggins IV , Deep Ellum Foundation ’s events and program manager . “ So I wanted to work that same belief to Deep Ellum after learning about [ the neighborhood ’s ] Black history . ”
Photo courtesy of Deep Ellum Foundation
Haggins be active to Dallas from Michigan three years ago , and was immediately draw to Deep Ellum . He notes that the neighborhood was settled by newly emancipated people as a freedwoman ’s town . Part of the city block party will include a historical portion , by means of a Black History art exhibit .
Juneteenth on Main Block Party will be hosted by Dallas media personalityLady Jade , along with Kenya Moore fromReal Housewives of Atlanta . festivity will kick off at noon and take property on Main Street between Good - Latimer and Crowdus , and will celebrate Black euphony and byplay owners based in Dallas - Fort Worth .
There will be over 25 Dallas - Fort Worth - base Black - own vendors , including a aroma company calledThe Blvck Scentrovertand a mode retailer calledMama Africa ’s Apparel .
The Juneteenth on Main Block Party is free to attend , however , attendant can purchasepreferred seating . This will include four swallow ticket , light bites , individual wash room , a commemorative t - shirt from the initiative festival , and access to a destine VIP area .
On the notice for musical operation is R&B group Dru Hill , who is currently on tour of duty celebrating their 25th anniversary . All six of the base member , including Sisqo , will be in attending , singing their greatest hit . As for local talent , Tim Clifton and the Potter ’s House of Ft . Worth Worship , Baba Kuboye , and Jess Garland will represent North Texas . Garland has been compose , recording , and teaching music for 17 years , and has helped masses find healing through the therapeutic power of music through Swan Strings , which provide free music lessons and concert to people in Dallas . Like Haggins , Garland want to play up the Black story of Deep Ellum , which she feel is n’t verbalize about enough . She also wants to bring euphony back to the neighbourhood , particularly as small venues have stay on to close down .
“ This is an chance to highlight and focalise on musician that have been here for several years , ” says Garland , “ and also celebrate Blackness and fete our civilisation through the music . A lot of the chronicle and civilization has been erased from schools , and it ’s just crucial to shine a light on it and focalise on it . ”
Photo courtesy of Baba Kuboye
Also do is Dallas - based rose hip - hop artist Jayson Lyric , whose song “ Self Love ” has recentlygone viral on TikTok . Local R&B singer Jada Arnell is also determine to sing with The Ei8th Notes Band .
Deep Ellum mainstay Dezi 5 will perform alongside fellow neighborhood staples Cure For Paranoia .
“ I started my music career here in Deep Ellum , and it ’s the first time that we ’ve really done anything on this spirit level for the culture of the inglorious community like so , ” says Dezi , “ so , of track , who would n’t want to be a part of the initiatory festival ? The first of many . It ’s an honor to even be asked . ”
Dezi promises an “ epical ” 40 - minute set . Over the trend of his and Cure For Paranoia ’s set , they will sing some of their collaborations , their solo songs , and some covers by legendary creative person . He also plans to cover “ Lift Every Voice And Sing , ” which is often hailed as “ the fateful national anthem , ” agree to Dezi .
As for the performance esthetic , Dezi hint that he will take breathing in from his metre at Florida A&M University , as well as Beyoncé ’s 2018 Coachella carrying into action , to make the feel of a Historically Black College and University issue .
“ It ’s going to be a booby show that really represents the civilization , ” says Dezi .
