The Black Artist Talk: Celebrates Juneteenth

A community conversation exploring African Diaspora experiences through dance, film and dialogue marks the Juneteenth holiday at the Deering Estate. The Black Artist Talk: Celebrates Juneteenth takes place Saturday, June 21 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Deering Estate Visitor Center Theater, featuring performances by Olujimi Dance Theatre alongside structured community discussion.

Michelle Grant-Murray, founder of Olujimi Dance Collective and current Artist-in-Residence at Deering Estate, facilitates the program as part of her ongoing Black Artist Talk series. Grant-Murray developed the conversation format in 2016 to address social justice issues, restorative healing practices, economic sustainability and educational access within South Florida's Black communities. The series uses artistic expression to build cultural understanding and community awareness.

This Juneteenth edition combines Grant-Murray's moderated discussion with live dance performance and film screening, creating multiple formats for exploring African Diaspora cultural traditions. Grant-Murray's credentials include Associate Professor and Dance Coordinator at Miami Dade College, along with her MA in African Studies from Florida International University. Her choreographic approach incorporates what she terms Ancestral Dance Movement Memory, connecting contemporary movement with historical and spiritual elements. The free event requires advance RSVP due to limited seating.