Join Children's Defense Fund's Event: For Our Children: A National Call to Prayer

 

"Satisfied" Explores When Motherhoood and Artistic Ambition Collide

The documentary, Satisfied explores the challenges of Black Motherhood through the lens of Tony- and Grammy Award-winning actress and singer Renée Elise Goldsberry. The film explores her life-changing experience originating the role of Angelica Schuyler in HAMILTON, while simultaneously navigating her path to motherhood and balancing the competing demands of career and family. As women's roles in society continue to evolve. many new questions and resolutions arise. Theatre tickets for Satisfied will be available from September 30, 2025. Check local listings.

UniverSoul Circus

UniverSoul Circus  known as the coolest show on earth! bring their razzle and dazzle performances to New York City with a stop at Roy Wilkins Park. Jamaica, New York from September 7-25.  This African American owned circus showcases their diverse and multicultural talent at major cities across the country. 

“We get to share our culture with everyone and each member of the audience leaves with a message: that everyone belongs. The UniverSoul Circus is for the people…it’s their show.” states Cedric Walker, Founder and CEO After 29 years, millions of people from all over the world have enjoyed thousands of shows and the fun continues.  Their next stop is Weequahic Park, Newark, NJ on and later 39th & Girard (across from the Zoo) at Philadelphia, PA from October- November 16

As part   of their initiative  to build community, "they have reached out to homeless families and provided them with free performance.   We love performing for families across the country, but our Family Open House is our way of reaching out to the local community and helping those in need as best we can, and we’re thrilled that business, media, and community leaders are as supportive of this event as we are,” said Cedric Walker, “There are many great organizations that, thankfully, are willing to help provide necessities to these transitional families, but we can offer them something very unique with a night out together at the circus and we hope to make this an annual event.”

Check their schedule and learn more about them at https://www.universoulcircus.com/

The Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program offers free books

Every summer, The Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program trys to foster a love of reading and its rewards for students in first through sixth grades and educators throughout America.

Participation is a fun and easy way for kids to earn free books. They simply read a designated number of books – library books, books borrowed from friends or books bought at Barnes & Noble – write about their favorite part in our Reading Journal, and bring a completed Reading Journal to a Barnes & Noble bookstore. Children then choose their free book from the books listed on the Reading Journal and collect their free book from a store near them through August 31. 

https://www.barnesandnobleinc.com/our-stores-communities/summer-reading-program/#:~:text=Participation%20is%20a%20fun%20and,to%20a%20Barnes%20&%20Noble%20bookstore.

https://www.barnesandnobleinc.com/our-stores-communities/summer-reading-program/#:~:text=Participation%20is%20a%20fun%20and,to%20a%20Barnes%20&%20Noble%20bookstore.

Da' Gullah American Revolutionary Experience

 

Gullah Traveling Theater, Inc. (GTTI) proudly presents Da' Gullah American Revolutionary Experience, an electrifying new theatrical production premiering July 19, 2025, in Bluffton, SC, at May River Theater. Commissioned and funded by the South Carolina 250th American Revolutionary Sestercentennial Commission, this groundbreaking play illuminates the untold stories of the Gullah people and their vital yet often overlooked contributions to the American Revolution (1770-1783).

Free Preview Events - In partnership with the Beaufort & Jasper County 250th Anniversary Committees, The Original Gullah Festival of South Carolina, and the Heritage Library Foundation, GTTI will offer three free preview performances leading up to the premiere. Each event will feature:

A live preview of the production,  A Revolutionary Era artisan showcasing their craft and offering goods for sale and A delicious rice dish highlighting the flavors of Carolina Gold, a staple of the time

This is a rare opportunity to step inside history and experience the profound impact of the Gullah people on America’s fight for independence. Don’t miss this must-see production! Experience history through the eyes of the Gullah people and witness their enduring legacy of courage, resilience, and freedom.

Preview Performances (Free Admission)

Sunday, May 25, 2025 – The Original Gullah Festival, Beaufort

Wednesday, July 2, 2025 4-6pm– USBC, Beaufort

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 4-6pm– Christ Lutheran, Hilton Head

Production Premiere & Da’ Gullah Artisans Village - Saturday, July 19, 2025 – May River Theater, Bluffton

 Da' Gullah Artisan Village 12p-6p

Tickets for the full-stage production on sale now! Shows: 2p & 6p Fee is $45 for adults. $15 for children

 

**Meet and Greet multi Grammy-award winning artist and songwriter Victoria Monét at Malik Books on **Sat Jun 28, 2025** at Malik Books for a chance to meet the talented artist Victoria Monét in person. Get ready to chat, take photos, and get an autograph copy of her debut children book, "Everywhere You Are!" Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with Victoria Monét up close and personal. Admission is $25.37. Ticket includes a signed book and photo opp. + admission to signing with Victoria Monét Book is available for shipping in both English and Spanish.

Westfield Culver City Mall - 6000 Sepulveda Blvd Ste 2470 Culver City, Ca 90230 (323) 389-8040

Happy Juneteenth!

This Juneteenth we have to ask ourselves what does freedom look like for those  of us in this country?                                                                       

                                                Jasmine Crockett, United States Representative

Juneteenth has only been celebrated 4 years as a national holiday but today we are faced with new challenges as DEI, our educational system, our history, and human rights are being challenged. Our celebrations, however, will always be an important part of empowering our community.

As I wrote in 2021,  "We can only imagine the joy, jubilation and trepidation of our  ancestors on June 19, 1865  when Major General Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and informed everyone that slavery was abolished.  We know that it left enough of an impression that the day is still commemorated today. Juneteenth has become the independence day for African Americans.

One of the first things that the newly freed slaves did was to thank God and begin looking for family.  In that spirit Juneteenth has continued to be a day of thanksgiving, prayer service, bringing together family, connecting with the past and celebrating our accomplishments."

Now after years of protest and strife, Juneteenth, the holiday marking the end of slavery has become a federal holiday. Although the holiday is symbolic, it is hoped that this will be a catalyst and another step toward addressing the systemic problems of racisms. Hopefully, children will learn the story of Junetenth in their homes, and schools will provide a more accurate history of Black people in America. While Juneteenth recognizes over a century and a half of progress, it also reminds Americans more work is needed to continue to build a more equitable and unified nation. 

Many thanks to Opal Lee who has lobbied for decades to make Juneteenth a national holiday. Today Juneteenth has become a day of either gathering with family and friends, or practicing  self care, enjoying rest and restoration.

Happy Juneteenth!