University City Partners announces its second annual Juneteenth Art Fest: A celebration of creativity, culture, and community

May 15, 2025

Deeandra Michel,

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Following an exceptional inaugural event, University City Partners announces its second annual Juneteenth Art Fest, celebrating art, activism, and African American emancipation. The event is free and will take place at the Shoppes at University Place (8931 J M Keynes Dr, Charlotte, NC 28262) on Thursday, June 19, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The afternoon will feature minority-owned businesses, local artists, live music, and dance performances along University City’s scenic lakefront. Guests can register for the event via Eventbrite or click here for more information.

The second annual Juneteenth Arts Fest is once again generously sponsored by Culture Blocks, a community partnership funded by Mecklenburg County in partnership with the University City Library. Other sponsors include Atrium Health, Parks Automotive Group, Piedmont Natural Gas, Freedman Law Group, Truliant, and Walmart.

“At our inaugural festival, we welcomed 10,000 attendees. This year, we aim to build on that foundation by welcoming new visitors who share our appreciation for community and education,” states Keith Stanley, CEO and President of University City Partners. “As Juneteenth celebrations face cancellations across the country, we are proud to create a space for learning and connection, educating guests of all ages and backgrounds on the historical and cultural significance of Juneteenth.”

Janeva Tyree returns as the creative director of this year’s festival. She launched the event last year in response to the community’s request for more cultural celebrations. After a successful first festival, she is focused on expanding on the vision, welcoming more performers, artists, and vendors who are passionate about advocating for social causes. Local businesses and vendors interested in participating in the celebration can inquire here.

Dru Billions, owner of Uptown Inde, will emcee the festival for the second year, alongside co-host Katris Wright, an award-winning podcast host, media personality, and talent coach known for her dynamic presence on red carpets and syndicated radio.

Local talent will also take the stage, including:

DJ Jason Brown, a versatile Hollywood-based DJ, producer, and entrepreneur, spinning global genres and carrying on the legacy of his grandfather, James Brown.
GB3, a viral recording artist, redefining hip-hop with their electrifying blend of rock punk, rockstar energy, creating a bold immersive experience that captivates and inspires.
DEVN, a local multi-instrumentalist R&B veteran and guest performer with Lute at Dreamville 2021, 2023, and 2024.
Tracei, an emerging Florida rapper and Johnson C. Smith graduate, who uses her voice to advocate for the voiceless.
Ayah the Light, the viral R&B sensation, will provide “Good Vibes” and healing music to the afternoon.
Boris “Bluz” Rogers, an Emmy Award winner, Grammy nominee, and national poetry champion whose powerful voice and poetry have captivated audiences from ESPN to the Carolina Panthers, blending storytelling, performance, and passion to inspire and entertain.
Junious ‘Jay’ Ward, an award-winning poet, teaching artist, and Charlotte’s inaugural Poet Laureate, whose acclaimed work spans national slam championships, fellowships, and publications in leading literary journals.
Nira Love, owner of Nira Love’s Fashion Brand, boutique owner, and celebrity stylist, will run the Juneteenth-themed fashion show.
Alex White, a Broadway World-winning choreographer and former Charlotte Hornets dance captain whose work spans Broadway, celebrity styling, and international productions – driven by a passion for storytelling and youth empowerment.
TwinNation Dance Crew, professional dancers/twins, Santae and Sanwone Benjamin, have performed internationally, including at World of Dance ATL and Super Bowl 55, showcasing a range of styles from Hip Hop to Contemporary.
DJ Claude Whitfield is the founder of Backspinz Music Academy and a community musical activist, on a mission to nurture the next generation of musicians
DJ JamxliVe, a versatile DJ and producer based in North Carolina, known for creating high-energy, memorable experiences with a diverse range of music including Hip-Hop, R&B, Reggae, Soca, and Afrobeats.
Mimi V is a Charlotte-based Indie-Alternative artist known for heartfelt, ukulele-driven songs and her EP Transitions, with music gaining international airplay.
DDA Tink, a Indie hip-hop and soul artist, is a rising trailblazer known for her bold style, powerful storytelling, and dynamic performances across the Carolinas, with a growing brand rooted in her “No Artist Left Behind” movement.
Lady Scribe is a soulful artist whose powerful lyrics and purpose-driven music serve as soundtracks for healing, reflection, and faith.
Kingston “Drummer King” Price, 9, has wowed audiences with his drumming at Charlotte SHOUT, CLT Kids Fest, Charlotte Knights games, UCity Lights, and more.
DSquared², a dynamic saxophonist blending Jazz, Afrobeats, and R&B, with standout performances at the Unplugged Series and the 2025 Charlotte Wine and Hops Fest.
Danyelle Ray, a self-taught Charlotte-based artist who uses oil, acrylic, and watercolor to explore African American identity and emotion through vibrant storytelling, public engagement, and live painting.
Tamara “Tamara Marlene” Paylor, is a self-taught Charlotte-based visual artist whose expressive acrylic and mixed media works celebrate Black culture, motherhood, womanhood, and body positivity through vibrant, soulful storytelling.