Black Theatre United (BTU) presents an artistic exploration of the evolution of the country’s oldest commemoration of the end of enslavement—from the very moment of freedom to the celebratory holiday that it is today. This transcendent performance at Damrosch Park is directed by Schele Williams, who will shine light across the timeline of African American music, spanning musical genres and eras. Hosted by BTU Founder Tamara Tunie, audiences can expect multidisciplinary performances that uplift and inspire, including movement pieces created by Ayodele Casel and Darrell Grand Moultrie, spoken word by Mel Chanté, and musical performances featuring Matthew Whitaker, Norm Lewis, Capathia Jenkins, Darius de Haas, Lillias White, Brian Stokes Mitchell, J. Harrison Ghee, and Broadway Inspirational Voices under the direction of Allen Rene Louis.