The Flea Theater

Juneteenth Public Performances

June 11 - June 19, 2022
New York City & Fire Island
“Juneteenth marks the beginning of our journey toward liberation, and I’m thrilled The Flea can continue that legacy by commissioning exceptional Black artists and presenting their work in public spaces for our city.”
-Niegel Smith, The Flea’s Artistic Director
“Juneteenth is a day of celebration and a day of remembrance of freedom, freedom to be who you are, to love, dance, sing, create, enjoy and live your best life in no one’s shadow. On Juneteenth, look for the 4 Black Artists and a drag pageant supported by The Flea Theater, celebrating and showing their True Colors!”
-Nona Hendryx, Co- Chair of The Flea’s Board of Directors
“World culture is influenced by American culture. American culture is influenced by Black culture and therefore Black culture influences everything. BaBEC is excited to be partnering with The Flea for a celebration of Black liberation and jubilee during the week of Juneteenth. As equity architects we are empowering Black artists to utilize their multiple mediums of expression to remind everyone who this world's tastemakers really are.”
- Tomik Dash, Founder and President of the Black and Brown Equity Coalition of Fire Island (BaBEC)

JUNETEENTH PUBLIC PERFORMANCE COMMISSIONS

Join us June 11–19 throughout New York on a journey towards Black liberation and a celebration of Black joy, dreams, experiences, queerness, resistance, and more. Featuring new works by Ebony Noelle Golden, James Scruggs, Chanon Judson, Niegel Smith, and the Mx. Juneteenth Fire Island Drag Pageant by the Black and Brown Equity Coalition of Fire Island (BaBEC), this year’s Juneteenth public programming is distinct, daring, and engaging.

Schedule of Events

THE WORTHY
June 11th and June 19 at 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:30pm | FREE, Reservation required | at The African Burial Ground Monument

by Niegel Smith and featuring Talu Green, Temesgen Tocruray, and Kyra Davis

“Niegel Smith is a gift to modern theater.” – Ebony Magazine
Join us for a celebratory walk for justice and Black men from the African Burial Ground to The Flea theater uplifting our souls. LEARN MORE | GET TICKETS

 

THE FLEA’S JUNETEENTH PUBLIC PERFORMANCE SYMPOSIUM
June 16, 2022 at 7pm ET | FREE, Reservation required
at The Flea Theater

Meet the commissioned artists of The Flea’s 2nd Annual Juneteenth Public Performance Program. Featuring Niegel Smith, Ebony Noelle Golden, James Scruggs, Chanon Judson, & Tomik Dash, Founder and President of the Black and Brown Equity Coalition of Fire Island. Moderated by Nia Witherspoon.  LEARN MORE | GET TICKETS

 

 

MX. JUNETEENTH FIRE ISLAND DRAG PAGEANT
June 18th at 7:30pm | $, Reservation required
at The Ice Palace Resort (Cherry Grove, Fire Island)

“What An Inclusive Gay ‘Safe Haven’ Actually Looks Like” – Huffington Post
It’s big, it’s bold and it’s back for its second year! The Mx. Juneteenth Fire Island Pageant is about to flip last year’s competition upside down! This pageant celebrates Black drag artistry of all gender expressions with the winner taking home a $2,000 prize! Special guests to be announced! LEARN MORE | GET TICKETS

 

TIME’S UP: A LIBERATION RITUAL
June 19 at 3pm | FREE, No reservation required
at the Roger and Tilden Community Garden

by Chanon Judson in collaboration with the Haitian Cultural Exchange

“Empowering the voices the world needs to hear.” – Mackenzie Scott, Medium
A new participatory dance and liberation Ritual honoring the Drivers and Dreamers of Liberation and Considering how we Activate the Spirit of NOW! LEARN MORE

 

ISSUE MAN… JUNETEENTH!
June 19th from 12pm-4pm | FREE, No reservation required
at New York Public Library

by James Scruggs

Appearing on the steps of the New York Public Library wearing a sandwich board touting JUNETEENTH information, experience ISSUE-MAN up close and personal as he engages in conversation about Juneteenth, race, racism, and more. Special gifts and cash rewards for a brave few! LEARN MORE

 

THE BLUEING:
CEREMONIES FROM IN THE NAME OF THE MOTHER TREE
June 19th at 1:11pm | FREE, No reservation required
at Marcus Garvey Park (Mt. Morris Park West and 124th St.)

by Ebony Noelle Golden

A collective ritual for water veneration. Come ready to walk, participate, and create. Bring water offerings, water, and a water vessel. LEARN MORE