Gilbert, Southeast Regional Library set to mark Juneteenth

Gilbert in partnership with Southeast Regional Library will host a Juneteenth Celebration from 10 a.m.-noon at the library.

Those attending the free event at 775 N. Greenfield Road can learn about Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the United States, with activities and entertainment.

Local vendor booths will showcasing diverse products and services. A storybook walk will allow people to enjoy a tale while exploring the library grounds. There will be arts and crafts stations to make something  to take home.

The event schedule calls for:

10 a.m.: Educational Video;

10:15 a.m.: Story Time;

10:30 a.m.: Drum Arizona:

11 a.m.: Kawambe-Omowale Drum and Dance Theatre.

Kawambe-Omowale African Drum & Dance Theatre, now celebrating 40 years in the Valley, offers a glimpse into the cultural expressions of African peoples south of Sahara and their African diaspora through performances of drumming, dancing, singing, storytelling and  traditional audience engagement and participation.

Through Drum Arizona, Lydia Woods has facilitated more than 800 drums circles and is the founder and CEO of Drum Arizona, Inc. a non-profit 501c3 organization that introduces African Djembe and Native American style drumming to local communities.

Her organization also gives away African Djembe drums and Native American style handmade/hand painted drums to children who have experienced trauma.

The goal of Drum Arizona is to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing through a dynamic drumming experience.

A drum circle is any group of people playing hand-drums and percussion instruments in a circle. Attendees can participate in learning multi-rhythms on African Djembe drums that are provided. No experience necessary. Everyone can participate.

This is a facilitated drum circle making up the music as we go along. Participants use their listening and playing skills to make musical connections to express themselves in ways that feel natural and right.

The Southeast Regional Library is fully accessible by strollers, wheelchairs and walkers.