Juneteenth Celebration 2021
Saturday, June 19th - Lapwai, ID
This event is a community-funded festival that celebrates and brings awareness to Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, which commemorates the abolishment of slavery that took place in 1865. Join us in celebration as we will have food, vendors, and entertainment. Special guests include Drae Slapz, Gyasi Ross,
Tai Simpson, Poodeezy, Imani Mitchell, and more!
Special Guests
Drae Slapz
(@wowslapz)
DJ
Drae Slapz is a DJ, producer, artist, and digital marketing consultant out of Portland, Oregon.
Poodeezy
(@trapnative_)
Music Artist
Poodeezy, aka Trap Native, is an artist out of San Diego, CA and a member of the Sycuan band of the Kumeyaay Nation.
With laid back raps and chill tones Poodeezy showcases versatility on every track. Often touching upon life on the reservation along with the struggles and perks that come with it, Poodeezy’s music is a direct representation of what he calls a “Trap Native”
Poodeezy has been on 4 North American tours and is a Native American music award winner. He has also collaborated with many other artists including Nipsey Hussle, j Diggs, Riff Raff and more.
Gyasi Ross
(@bigindiangyasi)
Speaker/Author
Gyasi (Blackfeet) is an advocate for Native peoples in the fields of law, education, activism, literature and filmmaking. He has the unique ability to get people talking to one another, by presenting issues and topics in his signature forthright style, or by having the strength of character and intelligence to ask the difficult questions our Native nations need to be considering.
Gyasi's passion for mentoring youth is clearly seen in his “town hall meetings” which engage young people in discussions on identity, drugs, sex and other behaviors and attitudes that have resulted from their loss of hope. He creates healthful and instructive communication between generations within communities.
Imani Mitchell
(@imani_2swift)
Music Artist
Imani Mitchell was born and raised on the Nez Perce Reservation. He studied at Arizona State University and is an advocate for Afro-Indigenous awareness.
As a fan of the arts, hip-hop happens to be most favorite.
Tai Simpson
(@taisimpson)
Keynote Speaker
"The Storyteller" is Tai Simpson's name in the Indigenous language of the Nez Perce Tribe. Tai studied Sociology and Political Philosophy at Boise State University. In the community, she serves as an organizer for the Indigenous Idaho Alliance and works as a Social Change Advocate with the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence. As an antiracism activist and community leader, she uses contemporary and traditional Indigenous storytelling to champion radical inclusion, equity, and liberation.