Juneteenth Public Performances

“There is no better way for Americans to celebrate Juneteenth than by experiencing Black art.”

This annual project commemorates our newest national holiday with a series of free, open-to-the-public performances commissioned by The Flea and curated by Artistic Director, Niegel Smith. Happening all over New York City, each performance is unique to the artist in relationship with their environment and their audience. The art will take you on a journey of Black liberation through joy, hope, queerness, and resistance.

  • A woman is dancing outdoors on a street, wearing a black lace top and a large, light green tulle skirt, with her hair flowing and her arms raised in an expressive pose.

    2021

    Imani Uzuri
    "Jus' Like a Tree Planted by the Water"

    Chanon Judson
    “Times Up! A Liberation Ritual”

    James Scruggs
    “Ask Me About Juneteenth”

    Niegel Smith
    “The Worthy”

  • Person on stage dressed in a striped outfit with a large striped hat, holding a microphone and a piece of paper, smiling during a performance at an event.

    2022

    James Scruggs
    "ISSUE MAN… JUNETEENTH!"

    Chanon Judson
    "Time’s Up: A Liberation Ritual"

    Ebony Noelle Golden
    "The Blueing: Ceremonies from In the Name of The Mother Tree"

    Black and Brown Equity Coalition of Fire Island
    "Mx. Juneteenth Fire Island Drag Pageant"

    Niegel Smith
    "The Worthy"

  • Two people standing outdoors on a sunny day, smiling, with trees and a fence in the background. The man wears dark sunglasses, a colorful necklace, and a black and white outfit, while the woman wears a white dress and a beige headwrap.

    2023

    Trebien Pollard
    "moving stories of liberation and truth…"

    Jack Fuller
    "Thoughts and Involuntary Mantras"

    Shelley Nicole
    "Freedom is Free: Rest, Restoration, Remembering and Restitution"

    Niegel Smith
    "The Worthy"

  • A woman dressed in colorful, elaborate attire and large hat speaking into a microphone on stage. Behind her, a woman in a headscarf and dress of intricate design is visible. A large projection screen displays the logo 'the flea dream machine' and part of a website address.

    2024

    Chicava Honeychild + DuYe Moves
    "Liberation Play"

    "Flea Dream Machine"

    Niegel Smith
    "The Worthy"

Juneteenth Public Performance Commissions are made possible, in part, by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and discretionary funding from the office of New York City Council Member Christopher Marte,
District 1.