Darryl (aka Lil D) will headline the Legacy Music Festival on Saturday in Miller Park. / Ric Morris Contributed PhotoContinuing its commitment to celebrating the contributions of African-American artists, the second Chattanooga Festival of Black Arts & Ideas launches Thursday, June 13, for a week of music, dance, theater, visual art and film through June 19.
The festival's dates are designed to coincide with the observance of Juneteenth (or Freedom Day), the holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. and emancipation of enslaved African-Americans in the former Confederate States of America.
Chattanooga Festival of Black Arts & Ideas is designed to "spotlight emerging and established black artists and build greater community awareness of the diversity of black arts in Chattanooga and Hamilton County," says Ricardo "Ric" Morris, festival founder.
The event will also provide opportunities for discussions on topics that connect black arts to other areas of the community.
"This celebration will allow other ethnicities to better understand and embrace the concept that while these works of art may be created by black people and sometimes reflective of the black condition, they more importantly speak to the human condition in ways that only the arts can do."
The majority of the week's activities are free, however some do require ticket purchase.
For more information: www.blackartsandideasfest.com.
THURSDAY, JUNE 13
The Palace Theater in the Tomorrow Building, 818 Georgia Ave.
* Noon. Bring your lunch and watch a screening of "Superfly." Free.
* 6 p.m. Tribute to director Spike Lee with screening of "Do the Right Thing" and "School Daze." Screening of "32," documentary by local filmmaker Jammal Hicks, followed by panel discussion with other filmmakers at 9:30 p.m. Free.
FRIDAY, JUNE 14
Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St.
* 6 p.m. Plays by Brandalyn Shropshire and Renita Johnson: "The Attic" and "Love Letters," with an excerpted stage reading of "Gem of the Ocean" by August Wilson. Free, but ticketed.
* 8 p.m. Lecture by August Wilson scholar Pedro E. Alvarado and panel discussion, Free.
SATURDAY, JUNE 15
Chattanooga Public Library, 1001 Broad St.
* 10 a.m.-noon. Chattanooga Public Library hosts Scratching Your Roots: A Black Genealogy Workshop facilitated by former state Rep. JoAnne Favors. Learn creative searching methods to trace black ancestors. Free.
Miller Park, 928 Market St.
* Noon. Sankofa African Drumming & Dance Co.
* 1 p.m. Ogya World Music Band
* 2 p.m. LaFredrick Thirkill & Friends
* 3 p.m. Classical String Quartet
* 4 p.m. Neshawn Callaway as Bessie Smith
* 5 p.m. C-Grimey hip-hop/rap artist
* 6 p.m. Michael Stewart Band
* 7 p.m. Darryl (aka Lil D)
Bring your lawn chairs or blankets for seating at the Legacy Music Festival. Spoken-word artists and poets will be featured between acts. Free admission.
There will also be artists and craftsmen exhibiting and selling their work, food sold by Moss Place Catering.
Shades of Poetry Showcase
Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St.
* 2 p.m. Writing workshop (registration begins at 1:30 p.m.) Free.
* 3 p.m. Open mic performances to conclude workshop. Free.
* 6-8 p.m. Poetry Meets Paint. Local visual artists, who are also poets, share poetry inspired by their artwork. Free.
* 9 p.m. Shades of Poetry Showcase. Adult-only performances by local and regional spoken-word artists. $10.
For tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/shades-of-poetry-showcase-tickets-61960538639?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
SUNDAY, JUNE 16
Black Dads Matter
Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View
* 1 p.m. Father's Day Brunch, tickets $20 adults, $10 children under 12. Must purchase in advance, no tickets sold at the door. www.eventbrite.com.
* 2-6 p.m. Gospel Music Festival hosted by Trent Williams with guests Swayyvo, Byron Harvey, Shawn Bigby, Larry Hurston, Jarvis Menifee & Chosen, Mount Canaan and Mount Olivet Mass Choir. Free and open to the public.
MONDAY, JUNE 17
Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E. M.L. King Blvd.
* 5:30 p.m. "Places & Faces of Black Folk." Work of photo-journalists Shelley and Cecilia King. Artist meet-and-greet, reception and panel discussion with other visual artists and supporters of the arts. Free.
TUESDAY, JUNE 18
Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St.
* 6 p.m. Juba Dance Festival featuring dancers from the D. Williams Dance Academy as well as other local dancers. Tickets are $13 and may be purchased at the door.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19
Juneteenth Commemoration and Concert
Miller Park, 928 Market St.
* Noon. Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by Wade Hinton, Unum vice president of inclusion and diversity. Music by Young Gifted & Black, directed by Garrell Woods. Free.