Juneteenth Special Activation at the Heritage Museum of Asian Art

Event Date: Thursday, June 19 · 2 - 4pm CDT

This Juneteenth Special Activation is a part of our Stitching Stories: The First Thread Pop-Up Exhibition! Juneteenth has been celebrated by the Black community for decades prior to becoming a federal holiday in 2021. It looks back to honor the date where Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced to the enslaved African Americans that they were free, nearly two years after Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation ending chattel slavery in the US.

Stilt artists are a staple in many indigenous communities-- particularly to West African, Caribbean, and many South American cultures. Chakaba has gained greater exposure and popularity as these ritual artists bring visualization of traditional folklore, and dance styles to the public.

The Chakaba and drummer's presentation goes to signify the importance of the holiday which commemorates the legal ending of chattel slavery in the United States.

Traditionally, the chakaba remains anonymous for the performance. The Chakaba today is a Muntu Dance Theatre Masquerade artist.

The drummer will be Baba John Chapman, director of the Azania Drum Ensemble!

The Chakaba and drummer are a part of Needles and Threads Quilters Guild's JUNETEENTH celebration which it celebrates as part of its Stitching Stories project with the Heritage Museum of Asian Arts.Stitching Stories: The First Thread is a pop-up exhibition that brings together Asian and Black artists whose works explore cultural exchange, storytelling, and visions of shared futures through textile arts. This exhibition marks an inaugural step toward building a coalition of artists and community members committed to cross-cultural connection and solidarity.

The project grew out of an extended planning process and a series of six community workshops, where Asian and Black artists engaged directly with participants through textile-making, storytelling, and relationship building. These collective efforts reflect a broader vision of collaboration, mutual support, and cultural exchange.

Stitching Stories is also an open invitation—for artists, organizers, and all who believe in bridging communities—to take part in deepening understanding across racial and cultural lines.

This pop-up exhibition is free with museum admission. Admission can be purchased online or at the front desk

Organizers and Partners

Heritage Museum of Asian Art, Needles and Threads Quilters Guild, HerArt Foundation, and the Abrahamic Center for Cultural Education

Supported by Healing Illinois

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