Celebrating Juneteenth with Art, Wellness, and Community Togetherness
This Juneteenth, NYCHA communities across the city participated in honoring a moment in American history and Black culture with various celebrations, including a new citywide public art installation that brings new meaning to the city’s basketball courts.
On June 18, the , NYCHA, and artist Glen Gaines launched the public art installation Lift Every Voice, which replaced 150 basketball nets across NYCHA developments in the five boroughs with Pan-African flag-inspired nets in red, black, and green. The installation seeks to transform the nets into symbols of Black pride and community strength in celebration of Juneteenth and beyond, reinforcing the cultural significance of basketball in public housing communities.
“My hope is that this piece, even in a small way, affirms the boundless strength, resilience, and influence we hold as a people, power that extends far beyond the sports arena,” said artist Glen Gaines, who first launched this project in Boston last year, installing over 80 nets at 15 sites. “Just as flags symbolize identity, unity, and the spirit of conquest, this work is meant to inspire the idea of claiming space and triumphing in all fields of life. For the Black community, especially, may this serve as a reminder that our greatness is not confined – we are more than ready to rise, lead, and excel in every arena.”
The nets will be on display at NYCHA developments this summer. Resident Associations that did not receive nets in the initial distribution but would like to be part of the project can request nets by contacting Kemi Karim, Senior Manager of Arts & Culture at the Community Fund, at kemi@communityfund.nyc.
Additional Juneteenth celebrations included:
On June 17, branch hosted a Juneteenth event at ƵHealth + Hospitals Harlem Hospital that featured a panel discussion, cultural performances, and wellness giveaways. The panel discussion focused on mental health, addressing stigma, and increased services for the Harlem community.
On June 19, the Amsterdam Addition Residents Association commemorated the holiday with an event that featured storytelling and oral histories, a special message from Justin Napper with Not Another Child Inc., arts and crafts, music, African dance, food, and more.
On June 21, kicked off the summer with its annual Juneteenth Farmstand held for Ƶ at the six Farms at NYCHA at Astoria, Bay View, Forest, Howard, Mariner’s Harbor, and Wagner Houses for music, games, and fresh produce grown by Green City Force Corps Members at the developments. The event kicked off the farmstand season, which lasts from June to November.