RECOMMENDATION #14

Create a new citywide special event that celebrates Black heritage, culture, and innovation.

Special Events staff has developed a proposal for an annual Juneteenth event. After receiving feedback from Mayor’s Commission members that showed a strong preference for an annual event not tied to Juneteenth and slave traditions, staff will rework the details but maintain a similar concept.

1. Create a new indoor event held in February that focuses on history and innovation of Black Americans by using public exhibits, student competitions, and other activities to highlight these elements. It likely would overlap with the current Committee to Commemorate MLK Jr. Day art exhibit.
2. Create a new outdoor event in the fall, or add major elements to an existing outdoor event in the spring. Event staff recommends the latter option in order to conserve manpower and budget, and to take advantage of established audiences. The new event would include music, spoken-word performances, student compilations, dance, food, and charitable functions.
3. A Juneteenth Rodeo remains a possibility, but not until calendar year 2022 because of planned renovations at the Lewisville Rodeo Arena. This could be a stand-alone activity or could include carnival-type activities in the adjacent green space.

A volunteer committee will be formed in the second half of 2020 to help select and develop these event options.

Status: Complete

Completed Actions

• The first Achievement Fair was held in February 2022 at Lewisville Grand Theater. The event invited students to create presentations/displays telling the story of their selected person of color who has made noteworthy contributions in a wide range of fields (government, industry, social awareness, science, art, etc.). The Achievement Fair entries were judged and prizes awarded in an Awards Ceremony that was held on February 20, 2022. This event meets the Commission’s recommendation to develop a special event that celebrates contributions made by Black and other under-represented groups.