(Syracuse, NY, June 18) — In celebration of Juneteenth, The Black Artist Collective (BAC) will host a On The Reel Film Fest’ and Pop-Up Market Saturday, June 19th, from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm at the Syracuse Inner Harbor. The one-day event will include an outdoor screening of The Wiz, a performance by KJ and Lolo, food trucks, over 20 local Black-owned business vendors, and a family arts activity tent. This event is FREE and OPEN to the community.
The Wiz, an adaptation of the groundbreaking Broadway musical — itself a retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic 1900 children’s fantasy “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, ” is firmly rooted in and celebrates Black culture. The iconic cast, including Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Lena Horne, Nipsey Russell, Mabel King, and Richard Pryor; coupled with the weaving together of gospel, blues, soul, and R&B with narratives of the Black experience, has made this film a must-watch rite of passage for many in the Black community.
Presented in partnership with The Creators Lounge, Cafe Sankofa Cooperative, Community Folk Art Center (CFAC), and City of Syracuse: Ignite Juneteenth initiative; On The Reel Film Fest’ and Pop-Up Market is a “brand new day” celebration of the emancipation of our enslaved ancestors from chattel slavery and recognition of our perseverance in the face of innumerable struggles during the year-long global pandemic.
Reflecting on the vision for the event BAC co-founder Qiana Williams stated, “Celebrating Juneteenth isn’t just about acknowledging a historic event, it is about reminding our Nation, our community and more importantly our youth of the struggle our forebears endured to make true independence and freedom a reality. This is an enduring struggle in this land we call America, but as Coretta Scott King said, ‘Struggle is a never ending process. Freedom is never really won, you earn it and win it in every generation.’
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR EVENT ENTRY: As a kid-friendly, DRY event, please note alcohol will not be allowed on-site. Freedom Services Security will check coolers upon entry. Following current Syracuse Parks and Recreation mandates, proof of vaccination is required for admittance without masks. Attendees must bring or save a screenshot of their COVID vaccination card(s). Individuals without proof of vaccination will need to #maskup. Upon clearance by event organizers, every attendee will receive a bracelet for entry.
Avoid the evening chill. Audience members should bring blankets or portable chairs. Limited seating will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are several free street and lot parking options in the immediate area. Arrangements have been made for guests in need of accessible parking close to the venue.
Community Partners –The Black Artist Collective and event organizers extend a special note of appreciation to our community collaborators including, The Creators Lounge, City of Syracuse: Ignite Juneteenth, Cafe Sankofa Cooperative, Freedom Security Services, OG’s Against Gun Violence, ‘Cuse Action Medics.
Sponsors- This event is made possible through the generous funding support of our sponsors including, CNY Arts, Wegmans, CNY Community Foundation, Community Folk Art Center (CFAC), Syracuse Chapters of Black Lives Matter, Light Work and Dreissig Apparel.
Black Artist Collective – The Black Artist Collective, a Syracuse-based organization that endeavors to play an essential role in the lives of emerging and established Black and Brown artists by cultivating networks and amplifying the talents of its richly diverse membership.
