Juneteenth at The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library: A Multi-Day Celebration of Freedom, Resistance, and Legacy

The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library (KVML), in proud collaboration with the Crispus Attucks Museum, Indiana University Bloomington, Madam Walker Legacy Center, and Indiana Landmarks, presents a compelling, multi-day commemoration of Juneteenth. From music and journalism to global revolutions and local heroes, this immersive celebration offers a powerful reflection on Black freedom, cultural resilience, and the enduring legacy of the African American experience—especially in the heart of Indianapolis.

Indianapolis occupies a unique and vital place in the nation’s history. As one of the first cities north of the Mason-Dixon line to foster a thriving Black middle class during the Great Migration, the city became a cultural and economic beacon for generations of African Americans. Indiana Avenue—once home to legendary jazz clubs, Black-owned businesses, and sacred places of worship—stands as a testament to Black excellence, creativity, and perseverance. Today, KVML sits in that historic district, preserving and amplifying that legacy through dynamic public programming.

A Weekend of Storytelling, Celebration, and Cultural Reckoning

Thursday, June 19: A Journey Through History and Sound

The celebration begins on Thursday, June 19, at 12:00 PM EST, with a screening of the acclaimed film The Tuskegee Airmen. Presented by film historian and preservationist Eric Grayson and public historian Glory-June Greiff, the screening will feature special remarks by four-time Emmy-nominated film director Ira Mallory. The event pays tribute to the pioneering Black aviators who overcame systemic racism to serve heroically in World War II. This session not only honors unsung heroes but also sparks a necessary conversation on race, justice, and valor within the military and beyond.

At 3:30 PM EST, the museum grounds will come alive with a communal drum circle led by celebrated percussionist Carrington Clinton. This rhythm-focused experience invites participation from people of all ages and backgrounds. More than just a musical performance, the drum circle serves as a powerful expression of connection, ancestral memory, and liberation. The evening continues with live music, storytelling sessions, and educational displays that highlight the importance and relevance of Juneteenth. Families can enjoy interactive activities and guided tours of the museum, exploring the life of Kurt Vonnegut and his commitment to human rights and free expression.

Friday, June 20: Journalism, Truth-Telling, and the Power of the Pen

The celebration expands on Friday, June 20, at 5:00 PM EST at the Crispus Attucks Museum with Roots & Routes: A Year of Journalism in America, a panel discussion that explores the critical role of journalism in chronicling and shaping the Black American experience.

Panelists include Paul Hendrickson, New York Times bestselling author and contributor to The Washington Post; Eunice Trotter, Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame inductee and director of Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Preservation; Robert Chester, historian and curator at the Crispus Attucks Museum; and Julia Whitehead, founder of KVML and prominent literary arts advocate. Together, they will examine how media has been both a tool of liberation and oppression, and how storytelling continues to shape public perception and social justice movements.

That evening, the first-ever So It Goes Resilience Award will be presented to the Crispus Attucks Basketball Team, recognizing their historic contributions to racial justice and their enduring legacy as role models for future generations.

Following the award ceremony, guests will be invited to the grand opening of Roots & Routes: African Americans and the World, a sweeping exhibition that chronicles the global dimensions of Black resistance and imagination. The exhibit features rare artifacts, evocative photographs, and original artworks that connect the Haitian Revolution, Pan-Africanism, the Civil Rights era, and contemporary movements into one cohesive, powerful narrative.

Sunday, June 22: Honoring Legacy with A’Lelia Bundles

The celebration concludes on Sunday, June 22, at 3:30 PM EST at the Madam Walker Legacy Center with Legacy Reception & Book Chat: An Afternoon with A’Lelia Bundles. A’Lelia Bundles, author, journalist, and great-great-granddaughter of Madam C.J. Walker, will share insights from her family’s remarkable story and discuss the continuing influence of Black entrepreneurship, creativity, and community leadership.

All events are free and open to the public, but RSVPs are required due to limited seating. To reserve your spot and explore the full event lineup, visit: https://www.vonnegutlibrary.org/events.