The Brooklyn Children’s Museum and its community partners transformed Brower Park into a canvas of culture and celebration on June 19, 2026marking Juneteenth with a daylong event. The fifth annual gathering, held at Shirley Chisholm Circlewas a vibrant testament to the community’s spirit, featuring a rich tapestry of performances, art, and reflection.
The event, themed ‘I Am Somebody‘, drew families, local leaders, and neighborhood organizations to commemorate the end of slavery in America. Dylan Housedirector of public programs at the museum, emphasized the significance of the day, stating, ‘Juneteenth is a holiday that we mark the end of slavery in America, and it’s really important for us to come together in a public space like Brower Park to celebrate joy and freedom together as a community.’
Performances and Cultural Showcases
The celebration kicked off with a dynamic performance by the Brooklyn United Drumlinesetting the tone for an afternoon filled with music and dance. The Medgar Evers College Preparatory School Choir followed, delivering a moving rendition of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing‘, often referred to as the Black national anthem.
The Brooklyn Ballet presented excerpts from its ‘Take Ballet to the Streets‘ initiative, offering an interactive lesson that engaged attendees of all ages. Later, the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music’s Jazz Fellows took the stage, treating the crowd to a live set that showcased the rich heritage of jazz music.
Art and Educational Programming
Art-making and educational activities were at the heart of the celebration. Families participated in printmaking and drawing workshops led by the museum’s ColorLabcreating vibrant art pieces that reflected their personal expressions. A large-scale community mosaic project, organized by St. John’s University students, became a focal point of the event. Inspired by civil rights leader Jesse Jacksonthe mosaic embodied the event’s theme, ‘I Am Somebody‘.
The day was also marked by storytelling sessions with Tammy Hallwho captivated audiences with tales that celebrated Black history and culture. The Brooklyn Public Library and Brooklyn Book Bodega contributed to the literary aspect of the event with a book giveaway, encouraging attendees to explore and learn from a diverse range of stories.
Community Leaders and Reflections
Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Kim Council addressed the crowd, underscoring the importance of preserving history and honoring resilience. ‘It is so important that we let everybody know the true history of this country, and that we don’t hide from our past, but we learn from our mistakes and move forward,’ Council said. ‘Let’s continue to celebrate. Let’s continue to educate, and let’s continue to work together.’
The event was a collaborative effort, presented in partnership with Council Member Chi OsseFriends of Brower ParkBrooklyn Conservatory of MusicBrooklyn Public Library – Brower Park Libraryand the Crown Heights North Association. The celebration not only honored the past but also looked towards the future, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose within the community.
As the sun set on Brower Park, the echoes of music, laughter, and shared stories lingered, a testament to the enduring spirit of Juneteenth and the power of community.
