Juneteenth Author Showcase to Celebrate Black Literature and Culture in Hagerstown

The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in Hagerstown, Maryland, will host the fifth annual Juneteenth Author Showcase on Sunday, June 14th, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This event aims to celebrate Black literature, creativity, culture, and community by providing a platform for local and regional authors from across Maryland to connect with readers and gain visibility. The showcase is a collaborative effort, with founder and lead organizer Cherish McMillan partnering with Kellie Marz Mele, Director of Education at the museum. McMillan established the event to address a perceived lack of similar opportunities for Black authors, particularly in Western Maryland.

The afternoon promises a rich cultural experience, featuring a variety of performances and activities designed to engage attendees. Visitors can expect live music from an ensemble, spoken word poetry performances, and live painting by artist Walker Hughes. The event also prioritizes community fellowship and networking, offering attendees opportunities to connect with one another and with the featured authors. This year’s program will include welcome remarks by former Mayor Tekesha Martinez, a poetry performance by Elad Shan Samud, and a presentation by Les McIntosh, a candidate for Washington County Commissioner. A key component of the showcase will be author spotlight presentations, where participating writers will introduce themselves and their work. Following these presentations, attendees will have the chance to meet and greet the authors, purchase books, and engage in meaningful conversations.

The Juneteenth Author Showcase is designed to be an inclusive and inspiring event, fostering a sense of community and providing an educational and creative environment. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience Juneteenth through various artistic mediums, including storytelling, music, and visual arts. Among the authors scheduled to be featured are Jasmine Kinney, Colleen Nicole Bray, Lanai Monroe, Monica Lynette Ball, and George Jamison, who will be sharing their work and engaging with the public. The event is free and open to all who wish to celebrate culture and community.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from Juneteenth Author Showcase

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