31st Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival

On June 17, 2023, The Redd Family Collection of Black Art participated in Macon, GA’s 31st Juneteenth Freedom Festival at Tattnall Square Park, organized by the Kwanzaa Cultural Access Center and Torchlight Academy. The park holds deep historical significance, as it was the site where Macon was surrendered to the Union Army on April 20, 1865. In the months that followed, enslaved Black people in the area transitioned to freedom, culminating in a formal proclamation of emancipation from the Bibb County Courthouse in July 1865 and the arrival of the U.S. Freedmen’s Bureau to assist newly freed individuals.

The Redd Family Collection of Black Art brought approximately 100 works, including original paintings, framed metal and paper prints, and limited edition pieces by renowned Black artists such as Brenda Singletary and William Tolliver. This carefully curated selection highlighted the depth and diversity of Black artistic expression, offering festival attendees an opportunity to engage with works that celebrate Black history, culture, and creativity. Through this exhibition, the collection honored the legacy of Juneteenth and underscored the importance of preserving and showcasing Black art as a vital part of our shared cultural heritage.