Juneteenth is the oldest Nationally celebrated Ancestral event that celebrates the commemoration of the ending of slavery on the United States. Although, some may begin the descendants of slavery story with slavery, it does not begin there nor did it begin in 1619.

 

The purpose of the Beyond Juneteenth Egungun Festival is to provide an atmosphere of a transcendental expression of race and kinship that binds us to our true human identities rather than the American cultural narrative.

 

It is Beyond Juneteenth because as we remember that first day of physical independence for many enslaved Americans, we must acknowledge the fact that ALL of our ancestors literally live on through our blood and DNA. We are our ancestors. This festival, like the Masquerade, is a vehicle for the re-appearance of our ancestors. Our coming together symbolizes the connection between the living and the dead and the future of our coexistence.

 

The Beyond Juneteenth Egungun Festival is a major component in the Delaware Art Museum and City of Wilmington's goal of becoming an event destination in the community.