Juneteenth Community Day

Bring family and friends to the Juneteenth Community Day and commemorate the day the announcement of the abolition of slavery was made in Texas in 1865.

This intergenerational event celebrates freedom and spotlights the African American experience with live musical performances, dance, gallery talks on art by African American artists, storytelling, and art-making activities.

The programming for this event was organized by the Norton Museum of Art in conjunction with the Juneteenth Advisory Group including Julian Crewe, Samantha Cyprian, Proverb Newsome, and Ashley Witherspoon.

This is a FREE event.

Parking in the Norton Museum Visitor lot will also be free during the day. There are a limited number of spots so please, carpool or use public transportation if you are able to. 

Schedule of Events

  • MC / Mister Trombone

    Wayne is known internationally as a dynamic, innovative instrumentalist, rare among brass musicians. A New York native based in South Florida, his style has been influenced by a unique combination of house, jazz, and soul music. A natural talent on trombone, along with a standout caliber of showmanship, has given Wayne the ability to reach multiple audiences across genres and placed him in the top tier of live performers today.

    Ongoing
  • Open Studio

    In Classroom #1, join guest teaching artist Brian Wood to put your mark on our community mural. Inspired by artists Keith Haring and Basquiat, put your interpretation of “joy” into this unstretched canvas and see it displayed at next year’s community day!



    In Classroom #2, led by Christie Toussaint, guests will create their own Juneteenth flag-inspired braided bracelets using cord in blue, red, and silver and adorn them with a charm of intention. This tactile project allows participants of all ages to create something meaningful they can wear home as a symbol of unity, meaning, and celebration.

    Ongoing
  • Meet Community Partners

    Learn about organizations and resources in Palm Beach County that are making a positive impact on our communities.

    ABA Centers FL
    Boys and Girls Club
    For the Children
    Palm Beach County Library System
    Quantum House
    Urban Youth Impact
    Young Men of Distinction

    Ongoing
  • Dance- Soul Stage

    Enjoy dance performances with Soul Stage Dance Ensemble, the performance group for Soul Movement. Soul Movement was founded by Samantha Cyprian to provide dance instruction for Ballet, Modern, Jazz, and Tap to dances in Palm Beach County, but specifically those from underserved and underrepresented communities.

    Great Hall

    11-11:30am
  • Dance Class

    Get ready to move, create, and connect with a dance class led by Ayize Hanif! As an accomplished artist, dedicated teacher, and committed community organizer, Ayize connects people through culture, rhythm, and self-expression. Ayize’s classes are welcoming, joyful, and rooted in community spirit thanks to how she brings her passion for movement, creativity, and community to life.

    Great Hall

    11:30am-12pm
  • Art Wellness Exchange

    Led by Ashley Witherspoon, the Art Wellness Exchange® is an introspective experience leveraging art to build mental health awareness, generate conversation, and strengthen community connections. The Art Wellness Exchange® provides an alternative for participants to gain mental health awareness within an everyday space, aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging the continuation of their mental health journey.

    Meet in Great Hall

    11:30 am, 12:45 pm, & 2 pm
  • Choreopoem

    Brévo Theatre, a dynamic organization founded by Zaylin Yates and Terrence Pride at Florida A&M University, is dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in theatre. Known for captivating audiences with thought-provoking performances, Brévo has quickly become a driving force in South Florida’s artistic landscape. With productions that delve into pressing social issues and celebrate the richness of Black narratives, Brévo is more than a theatre company — it’s a movement.

    Stiller Auditorium

    12 pm & 2:15 pm
  • Artist Tour

    Meet in Great Hall

    12pm
  • Music – Cynn Sage

    Cynn Sage is a Miami-based singer-songwriter who has captivated audiences with her soulful music since 2018. Starting as a gospel guitarist, she skillfully combines her fast-picking church funk blues with her soulful voice, resulting in a warm and ambient musical experience. From a young age, Cynn Sage had a strong desire to become a performer and professional soul artist. While natural talent played a role in her journey, it was her unwavering determination and drive that propelled her forward, leading to her continued growth and success as an artist. Cynn Sage's music showcases her unique style and ability to connect with her listeners on a deep level. Her newest productions demonstrate her artistic evolution and serve as a testament to her passion and dedication.

    Great Hall

    12:30pm
  • Storytime

    Perfect for the little ones! Enjoy stories about Juneteenth told by Eden Ash of the Palm Beach County Library.

    1:15 pm & 3:15 pm
  • Music – Mikayla Smith

    Mikayla Smith, a 2022 King’s Academy alum, launched her jazz career at the school’s world-class Night of Jazz show, and has since received numerous accolades, including recognition from the Songbook Academy, The Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook, and Downbeat Magazine, a prestigious American music publication that highlights exceptional musical talent. This year, Mikayla headlined her first show at the Jupiter Maltz Theatre to a sold-out crowd, prompting a Christmas performance later this year at the same venue. She has also collaborated with jazz luminaries such as Michael Feinstein, John Pizzarelli, Nicole Henry, Wycliffe Gordon, and The Voice competitor Wendy Moten. Mikayla is currently attending Palm Beach Atlantic University, majoring in Popular Music Industry, and is actively engaged in various projects, including international trips that continue to showcase her genuine heart and extraordinary talent.

    Great Hall

    1:30pm
  • Spoken Word

    Featuring Kimberly Smith 

    Meet in Great Hall

    1:30pm
  • Docent Tour

    Join us for a Docent-led tour on either Highlights of the Collection or Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection.

    Meet in Great Hall

    2:30-3pm
  • Music – Xavier Alston Experience

    The Xavier Alston Experience delivers electrifying performances that will have you dancing the whole way through! Led by the dynamic powerhouse vocalist Xavier Alston, this seven-piece band reimagines classic and contemporary hits with vibrant, soulful arrangements that breathe new life into the genre. With the stunning harmonies of backup vocalists Alexander Athanasiou and Cassidy Joseph, the smooth grooves of keyboardist Luis Rodas, the infectious rhythms of guitarist Adesh Balraj and drummer Chris Tomlinson, and the deep bass lines of Ben Rodriguez, The Xavier Alston Experience promises a musical journey you won’t forget. Get ready to move, groove, and be swept away by the magic of live Soul/R&B like never before.

    Meet in Great Hall

    2:45pm
  • Spoken Word - Aiden Dixon

    The winner of the 2025 National Poetry Month Youth Summit, Aiden Dixon, is dedicated to fostering a positive impact in both academic and community settings through leadership, teamwork, and initiative.

    Meet in Great Hall

    3:15pm
  • Music - Faith’s Pace Drumline

    Faith’s Place Center for Arts Education is a center that offers a range of education for the community. Whether it is the spectacular Preschool for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds, or the K-12th grade School of the Arts, Faith’s Place has a stellar educational program for you. The After School Arts Enrichment Program is available for scholars in PreK-12th grades with a character-building component that encourages the 6 B’s of Good Character: Be Trustworthy, Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Kind, Be Fair, and Be Fit.

    Great Hall

    3:45pm