June 1 “Juneteenth: A Homecoming Celebration”
This panel will focus on the meaning of Juneteenth, its role as an Independence day, how the celebration came to Virginia, and what Juneteenth will look like in the future. Panelists include Dr. Bettye Kearse author of The Other Madisons: The Lost History of a President’s Black Family, Zann Nelson, historian, columnist, and President of History Quest, and Audrey P. Davis, Director of the Alexandria Black History Museum.
June 8 “Juneteenth: Putting the Home in Homecoming”
This panel will discuss the power of place and why place matters. Panelists include Dr. Matthew Reeves, former Director of Archaeology at Montpelier, Terry Miller, Curator of Carver 4-County Museum, Charde Reid, Historical Archaeologist and PhD Candidate at William & Mary, and J. Bruce Monroe, President of the Orange County African American Historical Society, and Jordy Yager, Digital Humanities Fellow at Jefferson School African American Heritage Center.
June 15 “Juneteenth: The Stories of Homecoming”
The panel will focus on the power of oral histories and family stories. Panelists include Hannah Scruggs, Genealogy Reference Assistant, Robert F. Smith Family History Center, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Niya Bates, Ph.D. candidate, Department of History, Princeton University, and Justin Reid, Director of Community Initiatives, Virginia Humanities.
June 22 “Juneteenth: The Taste of Homecoming”
This panel will focus on the history and importance of food. Panelists include Dr. Leni Sorensen, African American foodways expert, Dr. Mia Carey, Historical Archaeologist and Director of Unearthing Our Past Consulting, and Jerome Bias, African American foodways expert and Owner of Southern Heritage Furniture.
June 29 “Juneteenth: The Soundtrack of Homecoming”
Will feature recorded performances and a panel discussion about the importance and power of music Panelists include Dr. Dena Jennings, Executive Director of Imani Works and Musician and Horace Scruggs, Musical Director for Odyssey of Soul.
July 6 “Juneteenth: The Heroes of Homecoming.”
This panel will celebrate Independence day by discussing the contributions of African Americans to the US military. Panelists include Dr. Shelley Murphy, Descendant Project Researcher, Division for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at the University of Virginia, Emmanuel Dabney, Historian and Interpretive Ranger at Petersburg National Battlefield, and Zann Nelson, historian, columnist, and President of History Quest.