Inaugural Juneteenth Unityfest Performances Include Jimmie Allen, Darius Rucker, Keb’ Mo’, Others

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Darius Rucker, Keb’ Mo’, Jimmie Allen

The Robert Randolph Foundation’s inaugural Juneteenth Unityfest will take place this Saturday on Juneteenth (June 19) at 4:00 p.m. CST. Celebrating the breadth and depth of Black culture and Juneteenth as a uniquely American experience, the virtual experience will be live streamed globally via the festival’s website.

Yesterday (June 17), President Joe Biden signed a bill to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Following this monumental milestone in U.S. history, this weekend’s Juneteenth Unityfest will be all the more significant. The festival will feature musical performances, films, comedy, storytelling, and appearances by civic leaders as well as some of pop culture’s most influential names.

Juneteenth Unityfest will include an extensive lineup of artists and performers, including Darius Rucker, Jimmie Allen, Keb’ Mo’, Robert Randolph, Earth, Wind & Fire, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Dave Matthews & Carter Beauford, Black Pumas, Aloe Blacc, Bebe Winans, Khruangbin, Phony Ppl, Michael Franti, Judith Hill, Korean Soul, The Soul Rebels, Lucky Daye, and Greg Phillinganes.

Hosted by actress and author Amanda Seales and comedian JB Smoove, guest appearances will include Phylicia Rashad, Billy Porter, Jon Hamm, Van Jones, Wayne Brady, Aisha Tyler, Craig Robinson, Zach Galifianakis, Deesha Dyer, Gail Devers, Jason Wright, Krystal Mackie, Zina Garrison, Wilson Cruz, Roger Guenveur Smith, LeVar Burton, Ms. Opal Lee, Adesola Osakalumi, Baratunde Thurston, and Jesse Williams.

“Juneteenth is an important moment to reflect on the past, while also rejoicing in the current progress of the Black community, and setting aspirations for the future,” states Director of Inclusion, Diversity & Equity at Amazon Web Services and member of Amazon’s Black Employee Network LaDavia Drane. “We look forward to joining the Juneteenth celebration, and reinforcing our commitment to helping build a world where everyone can live with dignity and free from fear.”

The inaugural event has also aligned itself with incredible community partners to ensure historical accuracy and authenticity, including The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, We Are Family Foundation, Cheyney University, Fisk University the Hip Hop Caucus, the HollyRod Foundation, and many more.

Lydia Farthing
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