CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — A Juneteenth Freedom Experience is coming to Chesapeake for “A Living Tribute to Black Legacy, Arts & Ancestry.”
The 4th Annual JFX-Seven Five Seven Juneteenth Freedom Experience will transform the Chesapeake Conference Center, located at 700 Conference Center Drive, on Saturday, June 21 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tanya Rollins Shadley, the organizer, hopes to spotlight the city’s Black history through storytelling. For the past three years, she has held the event in Norfolk.
“Some of the things that I’m excited about are the legacy tree. It is a seven-foot tree that my family has been building, and we’re doing an intentional conversation of these leaves… they’re going to write affirmations for the future or ‘thank you’ notes to the past (or to the ancestors). I will attach them to the tree because we’re honoring the past while building a healthier tomorrow together.”
The interactive experience will include a Unity Choir singing an original song.
“It is different community members who have come together to sing. I pushed myself this time and I wrote an original piece, called Onward and Upward,” said Rollins Shadley.
The ‘interactive experience’ will also include a freedom walk led by descendants of Chesapeake’s first families, legacy storytelling honoring early Black families of Chesapeake, a children’s Juneteenth storytelling digital portal featuring a Juneteenth coloring book and Sentara will be offering health screenings.
Rollins Shadley is the founder of a kids’ performance arts organization TRS Productions.
“The intentionality comes because I was given an opportunity at a young age. I started in performing arts at eight at Norfolk State University. I had a voice early,” said Rollins Shadley. “Empowering young people to also know that and have the confidence to walk into any space.”
About 15 students with TRS Productions will perform or participate alongside more than 60 other students in several organizations.
“I’m not creating little artists, I’m creating well-rounded young people to have the confidence to walk into any space, boardroom, interview, or audition because the same skills apply,” said Rollins Shadley. “I love being able to provide opportunities for young people to build that skill set, whether it be performing arts or art.”
This event is free and open to everyone.