Juneteenth and Jazz Community Celebration - With Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

Juneteenth, a brief history: On June 19, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to bring the news that the Civil War had ended and to ensure all enslaved people were freed. As the news spread, so too did the celebrations – Juneteenth, also known as Jubilee Day, Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, was born.

Eiteljorg Celebrates Juneteenth: In honor of the 150^th anniversary, the Eiteljorg hosted its first Juneteenth celebration in 2015 with community partners, performances, food, art and free museum admission. That event was so popular, we decided to make to it an annual tradition at the museum, extending free museum admission to all on the first Saturday in June. Though the current pandemic put a damper on the experiences offered in the past, it has afforded us space and time to grow the festival online.

Tamara L. Cooper Bio: Dr. Tammy L. Cooper is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, where she was born and raised. Tammy is a community advocate, influencer, and college professor. She is a graduate of Wilberforce University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Organizational Management and a Master’s of Science in Business Management with a focus in Strategic Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. Tammy is an active volunteer in the Indianapolis community and enjoys teaching black history 365 days a year.  Tammy is the Program Director of the Sankofa Movement group, which teaches black history through live performances that portray famous African American men and women.  Tammy also has a Sankofa Black History collection that is offered for display at local events, schools, or churches. Tammy is passionate about education and community engagement.