Juneteenth film screening, discussion slated for June 17 – Manistee News Advocate

The Vogue Theatre is located at 383 River St., in Manistee.
A Juneteenth celebration, hosted by the Manistee Area Racial Justice and Diversity Initiative, is planned for next week.
A free screening of "The Musicians' Green Book" is slated for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Vogue Theatre, located at 383 River St. in Manistee.
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The film will be followed by a panel discussion with Idlewild historian Chris Grier, among others.
Manistee Area Racial Justice and Diversity Initiative "is a group of concerned Manistee area residents who have come together to promote racial justice, diversity and inclusion in our community," according to its website.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, two months after the Confederacy had surrendered. The day was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
"Musicians' Green Book" is a documentary which "celebrates the vibrant jazz, R&B and soul music of African American artists who, during segregation, created the foundation of modern American music," reads a news release, in part.
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"Navigating the injustices of racial segregation was difficult and, at times, dangerous — even for renowned Black artists like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Little Richard or Sam Cooke," reads the release. "Like many other Black Americans, they relied on Victor Hugo Green's 'Negro Travelers' Green Book,' a directory of lodgings, restaurants and entertainment venues where African Americans were safe and welcomed.
"The virtual 'underground musicians' green book' — a network of friends, family and fans — provided food, lodging and fellowship for Black entertainers on tour."
The film features an "exciting mix of classic songs performed by legendary and contemporary stars including Josephine Beavers, Howard Hewett, Darlene Love and Little Anthony, plus candid interviews with performers, celebrities and notable musicians who were a part of this era," reads the release, in part.
The community of Idlewild provided several of the safe venues listed in the directory, according to the release.
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From June 20-22, the Idlewild African American Chamber of Commerce will host a weekend of camping, yoga and concerts centered around Black excellence and community called "Black Eden Weekend".
"Inspired by the spirit of Woodstock and the energy of Coachella — with a distinctly Black, liberatory soul — Black Eden Weekend transforms Idlewild into a vibrant cultural sanctuary," the Black Eden Weekend website reads. "It’s a celebration of Black community, creativity and connection — all rooted in nature."
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The weekend will include horseback trail rides, guided nature hikes, trap yoga and wellness sessions, kayaking, historical tours and poetry readings.
Guests interested in participating can sign up on the Black Eden Weekend website at blackedenweekend.com.
The Idlewild chamber will also host a series of festivals and events open to everyone throughout the weekend:
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Visit iaacc.com for more information.
I was born and raised in Manistee. I earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Grand Valley State University. My hobbies include fishing, reading and playing music.
I have been with the News Advocate since 2018 and have won multiple Michigan Press Association awards during my tenure.
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