Summer, summer, summertime at Salamander

The Family Reunion returns for its fifth year!

Middleburg, Virginia, Images Courtesy of Salamander

The Family Reunion, the immersive experience celebrating diversity in the hospitality community, returns for a fifth year this August 14 – 17 at Salamander Middleburg in Middleburg, VA.

Last year’s enriching programming was highlighted by some of the industry’s top talent including Carla Hall, Rodney Scott, Bryan Furman, Gregory Gourdet, Mashama Bailey and Tavel Bristol-Joseph and several surprise guests.

Presented by Chef and Author Kwame Onwuachi in collaboration with Dotdash Meredith’s FOOD & WINE and Sheila Johnson’s Salamander Collection, the multi-day event crosses culinary boundaries and combines thought-provoking panel discussions, topical cooking demonstrations, inspiring recreational activities and daily “family” meals where attendees and celebrity participants can interact. The annual event was lauded by guests and talent for its energetic and unique approach.

The mission of The Family Reunion is to nurture, develop and celebrate racial and ethnic diversity within the next generation of hospitality professionals.The countdown for Year Five of Downyears of bringing people together through the joy of food, discussions, and festive activities! We can’t wait to welcome you back to our annual #TheFamilyReunion at Salamander Middleburg, where friends become family 🖤

From August 14-17, 2025 enjoy:

*Uplifting family-style meals

*Insightful panel discussions

*Immersive breakout sessions

*Vibrant evening events

Tickets are now on sale for this culinary celebration presented by Chef Kwame Onwuachi in collaboration with Sheila Johnson’s Salamander Collection and FOOD & WINE. 

🎟️SECURE TICKETS & LEARN MORE: https://bit.ly/3xVncEd

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Martha’s Vineyard Black Book Festival 2025

Martha's Vineyard Black Book Festival

Saturday, August 9, 2025

Join the celebration of Black literary excellence with author showcases, panel discussions, appetizers & refreshments.

The mission of MVBBF is to foster discussion, reflection, and celebration of Black authors and their literary works.


The MVBBF is located on the beautiful Martha’s Vineyard Island where Black families historically vacation each summer. This celebration is a unique opportunity for both aspiring and well-established Black authors in fiction, non-fiction, young adult, and children to support, share, and celebrate Black literary excellence.

Festival Date & Time:

Saturday, August 9, 2025

1 pm – 7 pm, Doors Open 12:30 pm

Theme: Lifting Black Voices of Wisdom, Inspiration and Perseverance

Author Panels, Fireside Chats, Appetizers & Refreshments

  • Books for sale! Bunch of Grapes Bookstore present at the Festival
  • MVBBF Tote Bag given with book purchase
  • Book Signings
  • Appetizers

Learn More HERE

Buy Tickets

Participating Authors

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

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2025 Participating Authors with Book Signings

Malcolm D. Lee

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Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr.

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Tara Roberts

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Carole Hopson

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Tiffany L. Warren

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Wayne Dawkins

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Jimmie James

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Clarence A. Haynes

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Karida L. Brown

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John B. King, Jr.

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Dr. Uché Blackstock, MD

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Monique Rodriguez

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Alencia Johnson

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John Conyers III

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Juanita Tolliver

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Tamika D. Mallory

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Reverend Liz Walker

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Nichole Austion

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Tameka Mitchell

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Stephanie Browne

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Kiano Moju

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Speakers

Tamira Chapman

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Porscha Burke

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  • Moderators
    Traci Wilkes Smith

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    Walter Pryor

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    Victoria Christopher Murray

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    Dr. Monica Page

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    April Ryan

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    Derek Lewis

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    Nicole Carr

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    Anita Kopacz

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    Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon

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    Tamika Christy

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    Jordan Hernandez

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Grammy-nominated saxophonist James “Saxsmo” Gates performs August 16 in Chester, Va.

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music with Grammy-nominated saxophonist James “Saxsmo” Gates performing live!  Known for his electrifying stage presence and unmatched skill, Saxsmo brings a high-energy blend of straight-ahead and progressive jazz styles – all in one powerful show.  Experience the brilliance of his latest recorded project, “Saxsmo’s Den”, as he takes you on a musical journey filled with soul, passion, and pure jazz mastery.  This performance promises to be Saxsmo’s most dynamic and energetic yet.  Don’t miss your chance to witness a legend in action!

James “Saxsmo” Gates

August 16, 2025

7 pm

Tickets

All Tickets – $40+fees

BHMVA panel explores the Black Press

Black Ink, Bold Truths: The Legacy of Virginia’s Black Press will take place Saturday, July 19, 2025 from 2-4 pm at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia(BHMVA). Panelists who will explore the history of the Black Press in Virginia include public historian, author, filmmaker and museum curator Elvatrice Belsches; author, journalist and journalism educator Bonnie Newman Davis; Virginia Commonwealth University Department of African American Studies Professor Grace P. Gibson, Ph.D; and COO of Vinegar Hill Magazine Sarad Davenport .

Please note that registration is required. The program will not be live-streamed.

House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History

Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church, pictured on the left, during the construction of I-95 in 1957. Courtesy Library of Virginia.—-Courtesy of Virginia Humanities

On display July 14, 2025 through Feb. 28, 2026

The Library of Virginia’s free exhibition on the history of Richmond’s Jackson Ward neighborhood, House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History, will explore the historic district that was once the center of Richmond’s Black community through the lens of the Skipwith-Roper family.

Using a combination of archival records, maps and photographs from the Library’s collection, the exhibition covers a period from 1767 through the 1950s, when eminent domain displaced many residents and businesses of Jackson Ward for the construction of the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike.
 
The exhibition is presented in partnership with The JXN Project (JXN), a historic preservation nonprofit organization dedicated to capturing the pivotal role of the ward in the Black American experience as one of the country’s first historically registered Black urban neighborhoods. 

This project was supported in part by a grant from Virginia Humanities.

Opening Celebration for House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History

Celebrate the opening of a new exhibition from the Library of Virginia and The JXN Project titled “House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History.” The exhibition explores the story of Abraham Peyton Skipwith, the first Black homeowner in the area that would be known as Jackson Ward after the Civil War, and the subsequent removal of his house in advance of the construction of the Richmond–Petersburg Turnpike. This history anchors a larger national story of Black American experience from the founding of the nation through the Jim Crow era. 

The opening celebration features information booths from community partners, guided tours of the exhibition and a panel discussion with the exhibition team on the origins of The JXN Project and the exhibition, the historical importance of Jackson Ward, the legacies of the destruction of Jackson Ward and the future of The JXN Project. 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

  • 4:00 p.m. | Guided Exhibition Tours & Information Booths
  • 5:45 p.m. | Welcome & Partners’ Remarks
  • 6:15–7:15 p.m. | Panel Discussion with The JXN Project co-founder Dr. Sesha Joi Moon; Dr. Gregg D. Kimball, former director of the Library’s Public Services & Outreach division and senior consulting historian for the Shockoe Institute; Barbara Batson, exhibitions coordinator; Catherine Fitzgerald Wyatt, education and outreach manager; and Ashley Ramey Craig, community engagement & partnerships specialist 


This is a free event. Seating in the Lecture Hall is available on a first come, first served basis. Limited free parking is available underneath the Library at 800 East Broad Street. For more information, contact education@lva.virginia.govCalendar:

Loving by the Book

Belle da Costa Greene’s Letters to Bernard Berenson

Courtesy Virginia Humanities

Join author Deborah Parker, the 2025 Library of Virginia and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts winner of their annual Art in Literature: The Mary Lynn Kotz Award, for an online talk about her book Becoming Belle da Costa Greene: A Visionary Librarian Through Her Letters.

Belle da Costa Greene was Pierpont Morgan’s personal librarian and the first director of the Morgan Library. She was also the daughter of two mixed-race parents and passed for white. In the nearly six hundred letters that Greene sent to art historian Bernard Berenson, Parker identifies Greene’s energetic pursuit of exceptional opportunities, illuminating the artistry and imaginative features of Greene’s writing—her self-invention, her vibrant responses to books and art, and her pathbreaking work as a librarian.

“The ample cache of letters Greene left behind, gathered…in [this book]…reveals an indefatigably witty, puckish soul who savored books and art, had an active social life and loved gossip and a good story.” —John McWhorter, New York Times

Registration is required for this free event.

Details: 2025 July 25

12PM – 12:45PM

Virtual

About Deborah Parker

Deborah Parker is Professor of Italian Emerita at the University of Virginia. Her books include She Commentary and Ideology: Dante in the Renaissance, (1992), Bronzino: Renaissance Painter as Poet (2000) and Michelangelo and the Art of Letter Writing (2011) and the co-author, along with Mark Parker of  The Attainable Text: The Special Edition DVD and the Study of Film (2011), Inferno Revealed: From Dante to Dan Brown (2013), and Sucking Up: A Brief Consideration of Sycophancy ((2017). Her most recent book is Becoming Belle da Costa Greene: A Visionary Librarian Through Her Letters (2024).

VCU’s ICA features new exhibit

Ayida, or Ayida Wedo, a loa or deity in Haitian Vodou that is the god for the earth and of the origins

Ayida” is a new group exhibition of five early- to mid-career artists celebrating the Caribbean and its diaspora. Through a combination of new and existing works, the contributors investigate and pay attention to the material, spiritual, and intellectual cultures of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, among other sites.

Ayida is curated by guest curator Serubiri Moses and coordinated by ICA Assistant Curator Egbert Vongmalaithong. The exhibition features works by Oletha DeVane, Thomas Allen Harris, Lizania Cruz, mujero, and Didier William.

Serubiri Moses

Taking inspiration from Haitian poet and performer Assotto Saint (b. 1957 Haiti, d. 1994 New York), an important figure of the 1980s Black and gay writers movement, the exhibition considers Saint’s own complex relationship to Haitian Vodou, a topic frequently censored in Western societies. This impetus gives rise to Ayida’s focus on syncretism between religions and cultures, and on Afro-diaspora religions. The exhibition thus builds on dance and folklore research by the Dominican sociologist Fradique Lizardo (1930–1997) on El Gagá, a movement-based Vodou practiced in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

The exhibition title refers to Ayida, or Ayida Wedo, a loa or deity in Haitian Vodou that is the god for the earth and of the origins and is often represented by a feminine figure or a snake (such as in the 1947 oil painting Damballah La Flambeau by the famous Haitian artist Hector Hyppolite). The preoccupation with nature among Ayida’s followers is evident in most of the contributors’ works, in addition to traces of Afro-diaspora religions, including Candomblé, Santería, and Vodou, among others.

Assotto Saint, the show’s main inspiration, was a poet who endeavored to archive the lives of his community of Black and gay writers in New York City through his work in publishing, editing, writing, and theater. Similarly, the exhibition’s contributors view their own artistic practices in documentary film, photography, installation, sculpture, and printmaking as a kind of archival and memory work. At the same time, they are also interested in textiles and other forms of craft that refer to the objects and material cultures of Black diaspora communities in the Caribbean and the United States.

Related Events

Ayida Gallery Talk with Curator Serubiri Moses

Friday, Jun 27

5:30 PM–6:30 PM

Friday, Jun 27


Through the Spectacles of Ethiopia: Garveyism and The Rise of Black Judaism

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 4:30 PM

Virginia Museum of History and Culture

The Black Judaic Heritage Center’s (BJHC) annual exhibition delves into the intersection of race and religion in early 20th-century America, and explores the influence of Garveyism on Black Jewish and Judaic movements in the Commonwealth through unique perspectives on spirituality and identity.

The exhibition highlights a unique perspective on religion and identity, and it seeks to document this historical context through video and photographs. The project addresses the need for a comprehensive understanding of the historical development of Black Judaic organizations in the U.S.- especially Virginia. The event sheds light on the impact of Garveyism in Jews of African affinity and contributes to preserving and interpreting American history and the broader historical community.

The project will include guest speakers (scholars and life-practitioners) who will guide the evening’s Learning Circles–in which the public will have an opportunity to engage in open discussions moderated by informed experts. 

PLEASE REGISTER HERE

VMHC

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Get Lit

New Reads and Page Turners

Author Talk: Victoria Christopher Murray’s Harlem Rhapsody

Join bestselling author Victoria Christopher Murray for an insightful discussion about her newest book, Harlem Rhapsody, a compelling story that explores love, secrets, and the vibrant culture and notable figures of the Harlem Renaissance. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Sponsored by the Friends of Henrico County Public Library.

Saturday, June 28, 1 pm, Fairfield Public Library Meeting Room, Richmond, Va.


Click To Order Cool Fire

Click to Order Cool Fire

Summer summons

The dog days of summer have arrived. Photo by Bonnie Newman Davis.

As the sun graces us with its warm embrace and the days stretch longer, we joyfully welcome the vibrant season of summer. It’s a time when nature bursts into full bloom, painting the world with a kaleidoscope of colors.

The air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass. Summer invites us to bask in the golden sunlight, whether we’re lounging on sandy beaches, hiking through lush forests, or enjoying picnics in the park.

It’s the season of refreshing dips in cool waters, the laughter of children playing outdoors, and the delightful taste of juicy fruits and cool as cucumber veggies. Barbecues sizzle with the promise of delicious meals shared with family and friends under the open sky.

As fireflies dance in the twilight and the stars twinkle above, summer offers endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and making cherished memories.

Welcome to the season of warmth, joy, and boundless possibilities! August (sunning and funning on her deck) welcomes you, too!

‘Cool Fire: A Black Man’s Poetic Odyssey’

Robert L. Dortch’s debut collection of poetry and photography explores being a Black man in America, amid themes of identity, love, justice, and resilience

Robert L. Dortch Jr. recites a poem from his new book, “Cool Fire: A Black Man’s Poetic Odyssey,
on June 19, 2025 at Richmond’s historic Hippdrome Theater in Jackson Ward.

The Juneteenth book launch for Robert L. Dortch Jr.’s “Cool Fire: A Black Man’s Poetic Odyssey” was a resounding success!  Presented on June 19, 2025, at the Speakeasy Grill @ The Hippodrome in Richmond, Virginia, the event was a celebration of Dortch’s debut collection, which intricately weaves poetry and photography to explore the multifaceted experience of being a Black man in America.

The evening, presented by the Shockoe Institute, was a vibrant tapestry of art and conversation, featuring live poetry readings and a “Cool Fire Conversation” between Dortch and award-winning author Stacy Hawkins Adams. The event was further enlivened by a special performance from the celebrated musician and theater icon Desirée Roots, whose soulful melodies resonated with the themes of identity, resilience, and hope that permeate Dortch’s work.

“Cool Fire” is more than just a collection of poems; it is a profound exploration of identity, healing, and legacy. Dortch’s work invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and the broader societal context, offering a poetic path forward in challenging times. His poem “When Will Tomorrow Come: for Langston Hughes” poignantly captures the longing for a brighter future, echoing the timeless voices of the Harlem Renaissance.

The event was a testament to Dortch’s ability to connect personal stories with universal themes, encouraging a deep contemplation of humanity and the enduring impact of history. As Marland Buckner, President & CEO of the Shockoe Institute, aptly noted, “Dortch’s voice is a significant addition to America’s literary landscape, offering clarity and insight into the unique dimensions of Black American masculinity.”

“Thank you to everyone who made the Juneteenth book launch of ‘Cool Fire: A Black Man’s Poetic Odyssey’ at The Hippodrome Theater a success,” Dortch said a day after the event. “Last night, in the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance, we celebrated ‘An Evening of Cool Fire’. It’s almost 100 years since Langston Hughes authored his first book “Weary Blues.” In that spirit, ‘Cool Fire’ integrates poetry and photography to take readers on a poetic journey of what it means to be a Black man.”

Accolades also came from others who were part of the celebration.                                     

“What an amazing few hours of being reminded of the power of words, and the power in embracing the vulnerability it takes to produce art that serves a great purpose,” said Adams, the author of more than a dozen books, who led conversations with Dortch, Buckner and author Gigi Armteau about his new work. “May Cool Fire open doors to doors to deeper introspection and healing discussions for all who read.”

Legacy sponsors for the evening included the Massie Law Firm, the BND Institute of Media and Culture Inc., and Rainmaker Industries Group.

Tracey G. Wiley, CEO of Rainmaker, said she is an avid fan of poetry and Harlem Renaissance writers, particular Langston Hughes, for whom Dortch pays homage in his book.

“The art of poetry allows us an array of emotions wrapped in rhythm, colorful scenes and black and white realities of life, love and pain,” said Wiley. “My company, Rainmaker Industries Group, LLC, is proud to be an investor in one our own native sons of Richmond, author, artist, and literary genius, Robert L. Jr. Dortch during the launch of his second book, ‘Cool Fire: A Black Man’s Poetic Odyssey’. Robert’s book is symbolically aligned with Juneteenth and our quest for liberation at a time such as this. I encourage everyone to get a copy of  ‘Cool Fire’ and spend time journeying through our collective and shared communities.”

Bonnie Newman Davis, executive director of the BND Institute of Media and Culture, echoed Wiley. The “Cool Fire” book launch was the BND Institute’s third collaboration with Dortch and his JS Literary House.

“The launch of “Cool Fire” is a heartfelt reminder of the power of art to inspire reflection and honor our shared humanity,” said Davis, adding how much she enjoyed the evening’s strong sense of community. “Robert L. Dortch Jr.’s work stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, urging us to embrace our truths and triumph over adversity.”

“Cool Fire: A Black Man’s Poetic Odyssey,” is now available at Books-A-Million, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and other retailers.

For more information, please visit www.thecoolfire.com or contact bonnienewmandavis@gmail.com

Celebrate Juneteenth in Hampton

Courtesy: Visit Hampton, Virginia

Juneteenth holds special meaning in Hampton, Virginia. This city is not only where the first Africans in English North America arrived in 1619—it’s also where Fort Monroe earned the nickname “Freedom’s Fortress” during the Civil War because it served as a refuge for thousands of enslaved people fleeing the Confederacy, and where the Emancipation Proclamation was first read in the South, beneath the legendary Emancipation Oak at Hampton University.

With such powerful ties to African American history, Hampton is the perfect place to honor Juneteenth. From engaging museum exhibits to meaningful community events, there are many ways to reflect, celebrate, and learn. Here’s how you can take part in this year’s Juneteenth commemorations in Hampton:

June 14 from 11 AM – 2 PM | 📍 Outlook Beach at Fort Monroe | FREE

Remembrance is a spiritual ceremony honoring the millions of African men, women, and children who perished during the Middle Passage of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

The day’s events will include an annual Ceremonial Remembrance Walk around the Tree of Remembrance, a procession to the water, poetry, drumming and traditional songs and theatrical performances. At 12:00 noon an International Libation will be orchestrated by Baba Orimalade Ogunjimi of Ile Nago and will occur simultaneously internationally.

A Juneteenth Pageant – The Play

June 14 at 3 & 7:30 PM | 📍 The American Theatre

An Evening of History, Music, Laughter, and Secrets! This moving, often humorous, and memorable experience illuminates the origins and meaning of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. You will laugh and you may cry; most of all you will be enlightened to the true meaning of Juneteenth, also known as ‘Freedom Day!’  

Written and Directed by Marie St. Clair. Presented by the Hampton History Museum Association and Hampton Arts. Tickets are anticipated to sell out.

4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration- Peninsula

June 15 from 11:30 AM – 7 PM | 📍 Mill Point Park in Downtown Hampton | FREE

Celebrate Juneteenth in Hampton with a day of powerful reflection and joyful celebration! This annual event features live music, cultural performances, Black-owned vendors, food trucks, historical presentations, and family-friendly activities — all honoring the legacy of freedom and African American resilience. Don’t miss this vibrant community gathering!

The Soulful Tenors Former member of the Delfonics Joe BranchFormer members of Blue Magic-Fernando “Maurice” Kee and Robert “Buddy” Williamswill be thd Grand Finale!

Also, Phoebus HS basketball star and ” the Voice” contestant who chose John Legend ,Brian Darden II BDii will perform @the 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration Sunday June 15th @Millpoint park in Hampton.

Juneteenth Beach Party

June 19 from 12-5 PM | 📍 Paradise Ocean Club | FREE

Celebrate culture, community, and summer vibes at this vibrant event hosted by the Virginia Black Film Festival. 

Featuring: Live Performance by 5 Starr; A collective of musicians, Chris Whitaker, Curdarius Swain, Jonathan Frazier, and Robert Wilkins, unite to create an exceptional experience for listeners. One can expect nothing less than a 5-star sound!

Sign the online guest list and receive a free gift at the party!

Road to Freedom Tour at Fort Monroe

June 19 | 📍 Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center | FREE

Celebrate Juneteenth with a free guided tour on Thursday, June 19, at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m., leading up to the Juneteenth Concert in Continental Park.

The 45-minute tour begins at the Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center (30 Ingalls Road), includes indoor and outdoor stops, and highlights the historic journey of freedom seekers. No registration required.

Juneteenth Concert

June 19 from 6 – 8 PM | 📍 Continental Park in Fort Monroe | FREE

Join us for the Juneteenth Concert on Thursday, June 19th, from 6–8 PM at Continental Park in Fort Monroe (4 Fenwick Road, Hampton, VA). Enjoy an evening of live performances, cultural celebration, and community spirit — free admission for all!

Featuring:

  • Violin Performance by Melanie The Violinist
  • Drum & Dance Performance by The Day Program
  • Hip Hop Performance by Night Train357
  • Blues Performance by Bobby Blackhat

The Virginia Black Film Festival

June 20 – 22 | 📍 American Theatre

Celebrate Black stories through film, culture, and community at this multi-day festival in Hampton, VA. Featuring screenings, panels, red carpet events, and live experiences across Fort Monroe and Hampton University, the festival draws creatives, film lovers, and families alike.

Film Screenings – see a list of films here. For film schedule, go to VirginiaBlackFilmFestival.com/tickets and scroll all the way down. Click the white button that says “Screening Schedule.” Tickets are sold by Screening Block #s. Screening Blocks 1-4 are held at the American Theatre. Screening Blocks 5-10 will be at Ogden Hall at Hampton University. Weekend & Day Passes are also available.

Sessions by accomplished guest Speakers sold separately. See Tickets page for more info.

Hampton Roads Black Business Expo

June 21 & 22 | 📍 American Theatre | FREE

The Hampton Roads Black Business Expo is one component of the Virginia Black Film Festival. This entire event will be the place to celebrate Juneteenth in Hampton Roads and Buy Black, by supporting Black Businesses and Black Filmmakers!

The Black Business Expo will take place Saturday and Sunday (June 21-22nd) inside the American Theatre 125 E. Mellen Street, Hampton, VA 23663, co-located with the movie screenings and panels of the film festival.


Plan Your Trip: Juneteenth Trip Itinerary 2025

Jump to: June 14 | June 15 | June 16 – 18 | June 19 | June 20 | June 21 | June 22

Tip: Get the Hampton Black History Sites Pass. Access is free & the link is texted to your phone. In the below itinerary, the 📲 icon notes locations you can check-into on your pass!

Saturday, June 14

11 AM: Sankofa’s 14th Annual Remembrance Ceremony

Attire: White or Traditional African garb. Beach-appropriate shoes. What to Bring: Fresh flowers for the Ancestral Offering. Beach chairs, blankets, and other beach paraphernalia. Bring your DRUMS and other music makers to celebrate these Ancestors and this culture!

Lunch: After the ceremony, grab lunch nearby at Firehouse Coffee 1881, Paradise Ocean Club, or The Deadrise – all of which have outdoor seating!

Daytime: Then, make your way to the Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center 📲 and enjoy the AC as you browse the history exhibits. Before leaving, ask the staff about free tickets to the Casemate Museum and/or directions to the First Africans in Virginia Marker 📲.

Enjoy roaming around Fort Monroe – a popular area for casual exploring. History lovers might pack your headphones and listen to the cell phone tour as you venture, or you might just enjoy the view as you walk along the Seawall Trail. If you packed your beach gear, you might prefer return to Outlook Beach for some sunny rest & relaxation.

Dinner: Grab dinner at a Black-Owned restaurant or your fave vacation spot.

3 or 7:30 PM: A Juneteenth Pageant – The Play (Reminder: tickets are expected to sell out in advance!)

Sunday, June 15

11:30 AM – 7 PM: 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration- Peninsula

Lunch & Dinner: Don’t miss out on the all-day live entertainment at the celebration with tasty options from the food trucks that will be nearby or choose from one of the restaurants in Downtown Hampton.

Daytime: Take a break from the festivities and check the Hampton History Museum 📲 off your list. Located just a few blocks away from Mill Point Park, the exhibits here showcase the important contributions of African Americans to Hampton’s history.

June 16 – 18

Plan your day around the sites on the Hampton Black History Sites Pass that aren’t adjacent to the Juneteenth events:

Or by area:

Thursday, June 19

Breakfast: Sleep in & enjoy a leisurely breakfast as before a day jam-packed with fun & celebration. Enjoy relaxing waterfront views at Copper Barley inside The Landing Hotel, savor beignets from Mango Mangeaux at Simply Panache Place, or stay at the Black-Owned Magnolia House Inn, a charming bed & breakfast.

Lunch: Paradise Ocean Club

12 – 5 PM: Juneteenth Beach Party at Paradise Ocean Club

Bring Your Own… nothing, really. Paradise Ocean Club is a one-stop relaxation & event destination offering a private beach, tiki bar, full-service restaurant, & more!

1, 3, or 5 PM: Road to Freedom Tour at Fort Monroe

6-8 PM: Juneteenth Concert at Continental Park in Fort Monroe

Bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on and enjoy an evening of live performances, cultural celebration, and community spirit by the scenic Chesapeake Bay.

Dinner: The Deadrise restaurant in Fort Monroe closes at 9 PM or you can plan to try a new place in Phoebus, which is just across the bridge as you’re leaving.

Friday, June 20

10 AM – 10 PM: Virginia Black Film Festival at Ogden Hall, Hampton University

Check the schedule to see which films/screening blocks or speakers you want to plan your day around. Note: When visiting Hampton University, you’ll need to drive through the main gate to obtain a visitors parking pass.

Lunch: To stay on campus, you can eat at the dining hall – an impressive two-story atrium along the waterfront – or take a quick drive to nearby Palm Tree Caribbean for authentic Caribbean & Western food. Next door there’s also Palm Tree Vegan & Juice Bar with delicious plant-based meals even non-vegans enjoy.

Daytime ideas on the Hampton University campus:

black mother and son read history sign at emancipation oak at hampton university
  • Take a break & stretch your legs with a walk over to the Hampton University Museum (open weekdays 8 AM – 5 PM). Step inside the oldest African American museum in the U.S. and explore one of the most impressive multicultural art collections in America!
  • Visit the Emancipation Oak 📲 – the site of the first public Southern reading of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. With limbs sprawling over a hundred feet in diameter, the Emancipation oak is designated as one of the 10 Great Trees of the World by the National Geographic Society.
  • Bring your headphones & listen to the Cell Phone Tour for Hampton University, one of the country’s most prestigious HBCUs. The tour starts at the Armstrong Lincoln Memorial, but since it loops, you can jump to which ever stop is nearby – including the Hampton University Museum or Emancipation Oak.

Dinner: Dine where the locals do at nearby favorites like STUFT (Mexican-inspired street food), Skrimp Shack, or Mama Rosa’s Italian Family Restaurant.

8 PM: That 90’s Rave – Hear the biggest tracks of the 90s plus remixes from the pre Y2K era at The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery. Tickets

Saturday, June 21

10 AM – 5 PM: Virginia Black Film Festival & Hampton Roads Black Business Expo

Check the schedule to see which films/screening blocks or speakers you want to plan your day around. In between showings, visit the Black Business Expo being held in conjunction with the film festival.

Note: If attending at Hampton University, you’ll need to drive through the main gate to obtain a visitors parking pass.

Lunch

  • if at Hampton University you might take the opportunity to eat at the campus dining hall – an impressive two-story atrium along the waterfront.
  • if at The American Theatre in Phoebus there are several options within walking distance. Fuller’s Raw Bar is a must for oyster lovers or Black-Owned Native Soul Bar offers vegan meals to-go

5-8 PM: Block Party Unplugged

Head to Downtown Hampton, where a section of Queens Way serves as an outdoor ‘streatery’ for several nearby restaurants. Today happens to overlap with Block Party Unplugged, so come sip, sway, & stay awhile under the summer sky!

Dinner: Downtown

Sunday, June 22

10 AM – 4:30 PM: Virginia Black Film Festival & Hampton Roads Black Business Expo

Check the schedule to see which films/screening blocks or speakers you want to plan your day around. In between showings, visit the Black Business Expo being held in conjunction with the film festival.

Lunch: You won’t want to miss brunch at Mango Manguaux in Phoebus, whose menu features French, Creole and Neo-Soul cuisine.