Events: Community

Under the leadership of Hued Songs' Executive Artistic Director Kunya Rowley, the production brings together an exceptional ensemble of local and national talent. The performance features leading vocalists and a band directed by Musical Director King Friday, choreography by Zest Collective under Gentry George's direction, original text and poetry by creative producers Arsimmer McCoy and Miriam King, and digital projections and scenes by Bajan artist Russell Watson. The evening begins with screenings of short films by local filmmakers exploring themes of Black liberation and belonging, followed by the main performance a multidisciplinary celebration that seamlessly melds spoken word, dance, music, and multimedia elements. Additionally, attendees can explore a vibrant pop-up market showcasing works by local Black artisans.

Who tells our stories? We do.

In an era where Black history faces erasure, we ask: Who will tell our stories when we are gone? The 2025 Juneteenth Experience stands as a celebration and a testimony an exploration of Black South Florida history that refuses to be forgotten.

Now in its 5th year as South Florida's premiere Juneteenth celebration, this immersive concert theater experience blends soulful melodies, gospel rhythms, and classical arrangements with spoken word and dance. Under the leadership of Hued Songs' Executive Artistic Director Kunya Rowley, our exceptional team includes Musical Director King Friday, choreographer Gentry George, writer Arsimmer McCoy, and visual artist Russell Watson.

Your evening begins with powerful short films centering Black history, liberation, and perseverance. Then, experience a spectacular 75-minute interdisciplinary performance honoring Black Miami-Dade and Broward through soul-stirring music, dynamic dance, powerful spoken word, and stunning multimedia all celebrating the spirit of Juneteenth.

In the absence of truth, we become the archive.

The 2025 "Take PRIDE!" honorees who have made significant contributions to the South Florida community are: Steve Glassman, City of Fort Lauderdale District 2 Commissioner; the Honorable Robert Lee retired judge; Scott Holland, vice president of operations and associate publisher of HotSpots! magazine and Happening Out Network; Michael Berry, complex general manager at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort; FayWhat?! Albernas, of The FayWhat?! Show on the Happening Out Television Network; Velvet Lenore, entertainer and philanthropist; T.P. Lords, entertainer and choreographer; Tony Lima, CEO and executive director, SunServe; Franchesca D'Amore, founding president and executive director of TransEd and Ed Hashek, arts advocate and philanthropist.

The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort "Take PRIDE!" 2025 exhibit will feature photos and ephemera from Zorita's World, the life and career of famed burlesque dancer and icon Zorita, as well as her same-sex relationships and networks of friends. The performer and entrepreneur pushed boundaries in Miami and beyond in the 1940s, '50s, and '60s - a time when so much of what she did was often controversial and illegal. Today, perhaps more than ever, her legacy and influence offer important lessons on the power of individuals in shaping history and making necessary waves towards progress. The exhibit is curated by Julio Capo, Jr., Ph.D., an author and associate professor of history at Florida International University.

Additional contributors to this year's reception and exhibit are Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library and Florida International University. Capó curated a different exhibition on Zorita's life in 2024 for Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library.

The exhibition, located near Swarovski, between Macy's and Dillard's, will be free and open to the public during mall hours.

History Fort Lauderdale's "Take PRIDE!" is sponsored by co-presenter Galleria Fort Lauderdale and title sponsor The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, The Our Fund Foundation, HotSpots Media Group/Happening Out Television Network and GPR | Goodman Public Relations. Additional funding is provided in part by Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward County Cultural Council and Visit Lauderdale - Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Tickets for the June 18 "Take PRIDE!" reception are $50 and are available at www.historyfortlauderdale.org. Guests will enjoy a preview of the exhibit, special performances, an open bar, and light bites courtesy of Dom Caruso's, Seasons 52 and P.F. Chang's.

History Fort Lauderdale, proud steward of our community's past by making our heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors, hosts a variety of engaging multicultural experiences, year-round. It seeks to bring awareness to the community through both traveling exhibits and multiple permanent exhibits including "Women Trailblazers," "Fort Lauderdale - the Early Years," "Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward," "Fashion & Musical Theatre," "From Dugouts to Dream Yachts: the story of boatbuilding along the New River," Seminole Arts & Culture," "New River Archaeology" and "Viva Fort Lauderdale: Celebrating Hispanic Art & Culture."

For more information about History Fort Lauderdale, please call (954) 463-4431 or visit website. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ftlhistory, on Instagram @ftlhistory and on Twitter @FTLHistory. Subscribe to us on YouTube at youtube.com/user/FTLhistory.