Washington Revels Blog
Washington Revels Blog
Washington Revels stages celebrations filled with traditional music, dance, stories and drama from around the world, revolving around the cycle of the seasons and the joys of community connections. Revels is for anyone who wants to share common ground through old and new traditions—connecting people across time and cultures. Revels is not something that you just watch—it is an experience.
While much of Revels takes place on a stage through song and dance, here on our blog members of our community attempt to capture the magic of Revels in words. We hope you take joy in reading these posts and that you will join us to make your own Revels memories soon!
Glen Echo Park: A Beacon of Progress in Civil Rights History
Nestled along the banks of the Potomac River, Maryland’s Glen Echo Park holds a remarkable place in civil rights history. Together with white residents of nearby Bannockburn, NAG activists began picketing on June 30, 1960, and continued daily protests throughout the summer.
The History of Juneteenth in Washington, DC
Juneteenth, a day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, is now a cherished celebration of Black history and freedom. In the matter of slavery in Washington, DC, the District was central to the domestic slave trade in the early 19th century but successfully banned the ownership and sale of slaves on April 16, 1862. From then on it celebrated Emancipation Day each year and since 2021, officially recognizes Juneteenth as a second day to honor the resilience of the Black community.
Why Do We Celebrate Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a significant holiday celebrated in the United States on June 19th each year. It commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and the end of slavery in the United States. With its roots in Texas, where news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached enslaved people in 1865, Juneteenth has evolved into a nationwide celebration of freedom and African American heritage.
Wade in the Water
They came, they saw, and they sang! The Washington Revels Jubilee Voices/Mercer University presentation, “Wade in the Water,” an exploration of Gullah-Geechee culture and life in St Simons Island, Georgia,
Hitting the Road: Exploring Georgia Sea Islands Culture Through Music and Oral History
As Jubilee Voices celebrates its 13th year, the group will be taking a special road trip to St. Simons Island, Georgia, to perform a program blending digital stories, music, and education about the island’s Gullah-Geechee community. The program is part of the Coastal Georgia Research Initiative, a ten-year partnership between Mercer University’s College of Professional Advancement and the St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition.
Robert Burns Day
Scotland’s national “bard” was born on January 25, 1759, and all around the world “Burns suppers” – complete with bagpipes, a special Scottish dish called “haggis,” poetry and song –