Legislative leaders and members of Bethel New Life honored Black life and culture last month with Unapologetic: A Celebration of Black Arts.
It was born from the creative minds of the team at the Mildred Wiley Wellness Campus powered by Bethel New Life, officials said. The goal was to go beyond the history of the Juneteenth holiday and to celebrate the beauty of Black culture here and now.
The four-hour event offered non-stop entertainment for a family-friendly crowd. It was made possible through a grant provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services, which was sponsored by Rep. Camille Lilly and the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus.
Those who attended, included:
- Z Saj, host and hip-hop artist
- M.A.D.D. Rhythms, tap dance company
- The Happiness Club, youth vocal and dance performance group
- LaDonna Sanders Nkosi, who facilitated a poetry activation for attendees and performed original works
- Kendre Music, live band
- Chicago Park District’s T.R.A.C.E. artists, who facilitated art activation for attendees
- Aniki Coates, senior manager for wellness and horticulture who facilitated wellness station where attendees were able to create aromatic bath salts to take home.
- Five Fold Sound, who provided sound for all performers.
- Ty’s Suga Shack, a pop-up food vendor who provided bites made to order for under $11