LEXINGTON, Ky. — Communities in Lexington are planning for Juneteenth, the day now recognized as a federal holiday — marking the official emancipation of enslaved people in 1865. 

In Lexington, history is being brought to life through African American art and culture at the historic Lyric Theatre. 

Lyric Theatre board member and creative, Obie Taylor helped design the sentimental invite for the Juneteenth event. (Spectrum News 1/Sabriel Metcalf)

The theater’s Interim Executive Director Christian Adair says the theater started in the 40s as the entertainment hotspot for Black people. 

Adair says, though it’s been over 150 years since federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to make sure all enslaved African Americans were free, for descendants of slaves — that event is something that isn’t far removed from the present day.

“It was not that long ago where a whole race of people were trying to get out of slavery,” Adair said.

The theater is hosting a special celebration on Saturday, June 17.

Lyric board member and artist Obie Taylor is hoping to inspire community involvement with the Juneteenth event invitation, which features historical and modern depictions of artifacts, phrases and a replica of the Statue of Liberty if she were a Black woman. 

“My art is very thought-provoking, or at least I think it is thought-provoking,” Taylor said.

But as a former soldier in the U.S. Army, Juneteenth means even more than celebrating. It’s about understanding its message of freedom.

“Juneteenth here in Lexington because of the proximity to Camp Nelson, should be even more important because of the sacrifices that we gave. Freedom was never easy and it was never free. We fought for that freedom,” Taylor explained.

Lyric Theatre board member and creative, Obie Taylor helped design the sentimental invite for the Juneteenth event. (Spectrum News 1/Sabriel Metcalf)

Adair says, even though times have changed, their collective goal as a community aligns with those before them. 

“If there’s a place that people still trying to get out of situations, as well as those who were enslaved, had to do, here at the Lyric Theatre cultural arts center is a place for those who want it to be,” Adair said.

Beginning Saturday, June 10 and through June 19, there will be six events to kick off the Freedom Fest featuring performances and speakers celebrating Juneteenth.