Upcoming Events
Connect with the National Juneteenth Museum at one of the upcoming events or speaking engagements on the calendar.
To request a member of the National Juneteenth Museum to speak at your next event or conference, please submit the request form on our Contact page.
AAAM Conference Panel
Presentation at the Association of African American Museums 2024 Conference
The National Juneteenth Museum was featured at the 2024 Association of African American Museums (AAAM) Annual Conference, with a panel presentation by CEO Jarred Howard, Executive Strategist Dr. Lauren Cross, and L'Rai Arthur-Mensah of Local Projects, the museum's exhibition design firm.
The panel delved into the historical significance of Juneteenth, highlighting the delayed process of emancipation and the rich history of the museum’s site in Fort Worth’s Historic Southside. They also discussed the museum’s mission to preserve the legacy of Juneteenth, foster community connections, and spark meaningful dialogue through initiatives like the Dinner & Discussion series. The conversation touched on the importance of inclusive design practices, the role of Black museums in building trust and sharing stories, and the intentional selection of partners to support the museum’s broader goals.
History Harvest with UNT
The National Juneteenth Museum in collaboration with the University of North Texas Special Collections hosted their first History Harvest event on July 6th. Community members brought their artifacts, photos, manuscripts and more to help document and highlight the rich history of Juneteenth and the African American experience.
By contributing a wide range of items such as posters, manuscripts, family photos, documents, newspaper clippings, recordings, artwork, and more, community members helped build an archive that will preserve the legacy of African American and American history from enslavement to freedom.
Dinner & Discussion June
Dinner & Discussion Featuring
Chef Derrick Walker
In June 2024, the National Juneteenth Museum celebrated Juneteenth through the fifth and final edition of our Dinner and Discussion series, featuring the culinary talents of Chef Derrick Walker. This special Juneteenth session included a screening of the Netflix series "High on the Hog," which explores the rich history and evolution of African American cuisine from its roots to the present day.
Following the viewing, a captivating conversation was led by NJM Board Member Deah Berry Mitchell, a cultural historian and author of "Cornbread & Collard Greens: How West African Cuisine & Slavery Influenced Soul Food."
All Dinner & Discussion events were held for the Historical Southside Neighborhood Association and community members at the Southside Community Center. Additionally, we had the pleasure of featuring Chef Mia Moss of Fort Worth's cafe Black Coffee to provide beverages at all events in the series.
About Chef Walker
Derrick Walker’s love for cooking slow-smoked barbeque started with his grandfather. When he was 12, Derrick’s grandfather began teaching him the basics such as trimming meat, fire starting and management, and wrapping meat. From there, the rest is history. Derrick attended The Art Institute of Dallas and then became the Executive Chef throughout the Baylor Healthcare System. Now, he owns his own shop called: Smoke-a-holics.
Ms. Opal's Walk
Commemorate the historic day with Dr. Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” Ms. Lee’s efforts were instrumental in the creation of Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021 and in bringing the highly anticipated National Juneteenth Museum to Fort Worth. On Wednesday, June 19th, Ms. Opal Lee will complete her annual 2.5 mile walk to recognize the 2.5 years it took for the news and enforcement of freedom to reach the enslaved people in Texas.
Juneteenth Family Storytime
Learn about the roots of Juneteenth with a special story time for families. Afterwards, explore an exhibit of historical artifacts provided by the National Juneteenth Museum. We will read three books together and sing songs. The program will be presented in English and Spanish by staff from the Fort Worth History Center and La Gran Biblioteca.
Women's Policy Forum: Monthly Board Meeting
The Women’s Policy Forum of Tarrant County is a group of influential women who have the desire to effect positive change for women and girls with the passion, energy, and commitment to advocate for women and our community. For our June monthly board meeting, we will hear from NJM CEO, Jarred Howard, about Juneteenth.
Uniting Voices, the National Juneteenth Speaker Series
We are honored to welcome Henry Louis Gates Jr. for a special Juneteenth presentation of Uniting Voices, the National Juneteenth Museum Speaker Series on Thursday, June 6th at the I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA in Fort Worth, Texas.
This event is currently SOLD OUT.
Dinner & Discussion May
Dinner & Discussion Featuring Chef Carl Harris
The May edition of the National Juneteenth Museum Dinner & Discussion series featured local chef Carl Harris. Following a delicious meal prepared by the Chef and a viewing of an episode of the Netflix series “High on the Hog,” the event transitioned into a conversation exploring the historical and cultural impacts of African American culinary traditions. This discussion was led by NJM Board Member Deah Berry Mitchell, a cultural historian and author of "Cornbread & Collard Greens: How West African Cuisine & Slavery Influenced Soul Food."
All Dinner & Discussion events were held for the Historical Southside Neighborhood Association and community members at the Southside Community Center. Additionally, we had the pleasure of featuring Chef Mia Moss of Fort Worth's cafe Black Coffee to provide beverages at all events in the series.
About Chef Harris
Chef Carl Harris grew up with a love for cooking. After graduating college, he worked with Chef Tre Wilcox from Top Chef and started an apprenticeship after Harris' day job where he was then submerged into a real formal kitchen. Chef Harris was tapped to cater for NBC at the Indy 500 race at Texas Motor Speedway which built a relationship that propelled him onto Food Network.
Chef Harris was also invited to cater an event at Facebook’s data center and is the official caterer for Ready to Love, a reality show on the OWN network. Chef Harris has participated in many cooking programs that will inspire the next generation of chefs.
Dinner & Discussion April
Dinner & Discussion featuring Chef Reggie Robinson
The National Juneteenth Museum’s third edition of its Dinner & Discussion series featured Chef Reggie Robinson, one of the creators of Fort Worth’s Lil’ Boy Blue BBQ. Following a screening of an episode of “High on the Hog”, board member Deah Berry led a conversation about the historical and cultural impacts of African American culinary traditions.
Chef Reggie Robinson’s expertly crafted meal complemented the evening's theme, providing attendees with a sensory experience that highlighted the deep cultural significance of the cuisine.
All Dinner & Discussion events were held for the Historical Southside Neighborhood Association and community members at the Southside Community Center. Additionally, we had the pleasure of featuring Chef Mia Moss of Fort Worth's cafe Black Coffee to provide beverages at all events in the series.
About Chef Robinson
Reggie Robinson is half of the dynamic duo behind Lil Boy Blue BBQ (LilBoyBlueBBQ.com). Reggie and brother Cedric Robinson pay homage to their grandpa, a chef during his time in the U.S. Navy who became a butcher and pop-up barbecue salesman. Over the last four years, the Robinsons have gathered an adoring following with their catering and pop-up supper clubs, which sell out within days of their announcement on social media.
Uniting Voices, the National Juneteenth Museum Speaker Series
Uniting Voices, with Isabel Wilkerson
In March, we hosted a sold-out second presentation of Uniting Voices, the National Juneteenth Museum Speaker Series at TCU, featuring Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times Best Selling Author Isabel Wilkerson.
About Isabel Wilkerson
This edition of the series delivered an insightful and reflective discussion with Isabel Wilkerson, the first African-American women to receive a Pulitzer Prize for Journalism. Wilkerson’s thoughtful exploration and analysis of humanity, race and culture is exemplified in her New York Times Bestselling book Caste, the Origins of Our Discontents and National Book Critics Choice Award-winning book The Warmth of Other Suns, the Epic Story of America’s Great Migration. Wilkerson is also the subject of the critically acclaimed and newly-released feature film, Origin. Produced and directed by the Academy Award-nominated writer Ava DuVernay, Origin explores Wilkerson’s life as a journalist, and the inspiration behind the writing of Caste.
About Uniting Voices
Uniting Voices is the National Juneteenth Museum’s Speaker Series, featuring inspirational & exceptional people who have contributed to culture, progress, and justice through their personal & professional lives.
Past Uniting Voices speakers include Bryan Stevenson and Isabel Wilkerson.
By supporting our Uniting Voices events, you help us get one step closer to realizing Dr. Opal Lee’s legacy of building a destination to foster conversations on the global significance of freedom and the celebration of Juneteenth worldwide.
Dinner & Discussion March
Dinner & Discussion Featuring Chef Scotty Scott
In March 2024, the National Juneteenth Museum hosted the second installment of our Dinner and Discussion series, presented by Atmos Energy, featuring Chef Scotty Scott. This event included a screening of the Netflix series "High on the Hog," which delves into the history and evolution of African American cuisine from its origins to modern times.
After the screening and meal provided by Chef Scott, a lively discussion was led by NJM Board Member Deah Berry Mitchell, a cultural historian and the author of "Cornbread & Collard Greens: How West African Cuisine & Slavery Influenced Soul Food."
All Dinner & Discussion events were held for the Historical Southside Neighborhood Association and community members at the Southside Community Center. Additionally, we had the pleasure of featuring Chef Mia Moss of Fort Worth's cafe Black Coffee to provide beverages at all events in the series.
About Chef Scott
Chef Scotty Scott is a Detroit-born culinary enthusiast, cookbook author and the creative force behind "Cook Drank Eat." From childhood days watching his mom in the kitchen, Chef Scott's love for cooking grew into a lifelong passion. With no formal training, he transformed his culinary hobby into a thriving business, offering personal chef services and pop-up events.
"Cook Drank Eat" has evolved into a dynamic social media platform, featuring virtual cooking lessons, entertaining cooking videos and mouthwatering recipes. His goal is to redefine cooking videos with music, humor and storytelling, creating content that both entertains and instructs.
Dinner & Discussion February
Dinner & Discussion Featuring
Chef Katrina Carpenter
Presented by Atmos Energy, the inaugural event in the Dinner & Discussion Series featured Chef Katrina Carpenter of Carpenter’s Cafe and Catering. This event featured a screening of the Netflix series "High on the Hog," which delves into the history and evolution of African American cuisine from its origins to modern times.
Following the screening, NJM Board Member Deah Berry Mitchell moderated an engaging discussion exploring the attendees’ experiences and stories of African American cuisine. Berry is a cultural historian and the author of "Cornbread & Collard Greens: How West African Cuisine & Slavery Influenced Soul Food."
All Dinner & Discussion events were held for the Historical Southside Neighborhood Association and community members at the Southside Community Center. Additionally, we had the pleasure of featuring Chef Mia Moss of Fort Worth's cafe Black Coffee to provide beverages at all events in the series.
About Chef Carpenter
Katrina Carpenter brings love into her year-old business endeavor. She says her signature dish is her famous Smoked Chicken Salad, and she hopes you’ll come to see her on the Near Southside to experience their healthy southern comfort foods.
Uniting Voices, the National Juneteenth Museum Speaker Series
Uniting Voices, Featuring Bryan Stevenson
Launching the Inaugural Uniting Voices Speaker Series presented by Bank of America The National Juneteenth Museum, in partnership with Bank of America, kicked off the Uniting Voices Speaker Series featuring distinguished guest speakers critically acclaimed author and Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, Bryan Stevenson, and the ‘Grandmother of Juneteenth’ Dr. Opal Lee.
The sold-out event marked the beginning of a larger series of insightful and reflective discussions to pre-launch NJM’s programming.
About Bryan Stevenson
Bryan Stevenson is the founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, a human rights organization in Montgomery, Alabama. Under his leadership, EJI has won major legal challenges eliminating excessive and unfair sentencing, exonerating innocent death row prisoners, confronting abuse of the incarcerated and the mentally ill, and aiding children prosecuted as adults. He is the author of the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Just Mercy.
Past Events
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AAAM Conference Panel
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History Harvest
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Dinner & Discussion June
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June 2024 Speaker Series
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Dinner & Discussion May
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Juneteenth Storytime
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Dinner & Discussion April
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March 2024 Speaker Series
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Dinner & Discussion March
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June 2023 Speaker Series
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Dinner & Discussion February
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Women’s Policy Forum
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Opal's Walk for Freedom
