Juneteenth commemorates our nation’s true independence—the day when all members of the newly reunited nation were finally declared free after the American Civil War. More than 400 years after the first enslaved African people were brought to the North American colonies, the fight for equality continues. Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes Jr. leads this celebration—along with Tamara Tunie, and special guests Wayne Brady, Martin Luther King III, and Annette Gordon-Reed—to recognize the importance of this historic day and to acknowledge the long road still ahead. In addition to music, dance, and commentary, the evening also recognizes contributions made by prominent African Americans today: Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative; Robert F. Smith, businessman and chairman of Carnegie Hall’s Board of Trustees; and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

Performers

Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes Jr., Host
Tamara Tunie, Master of Ceremonies

Wayne Brady
Joseph Joubert
Alicia Hall Moran
Batoto Yetu

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Aeolian Choir
Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble
Tiny Starr Ensemble

with
Annette Gordon-Reed
Martin Luther King III
Sheila Jackson Lee
Robert F. Smith
Bryan Stevenson