CELEBRATING FREEDOM
CELEBRATING FREEDOM
Juneteenth is an American celebration marking the end of slavery—when news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached the last U.S. state, Texas, on June 19, 1865. These digital resources can be used to add to Shine Bright 2e File 19, "Breaking the Chains."
In celebration of Juneteenth, ADAMA is proud to announce a special art contest and giveaway under the theme:
“We Were Never Silent: Telling the Truth, Telling Our Stories.”
In a time when cultural erasure threatens to rewrite history and silence our voices, this contest is a call to remember, reclaim, and amplify the truth. Artists are invited to create work that honors the legacy of our African past by lifting up the stories—both known and untold—of those who have shaped the world we live in today.
The prize? Two tickets to this year’s Playas Ball and an exclusive one-on-one artist practice session with our Founder, Fahamu Pecou.
CONTEST DETAILS:
Theme: "We Were Never Silent: Telling the Truth, Telling Our Stories.”
In a world that tries to forget us—we remember louder.
This theme honors the legacy of resistance, resilience, and cultural preservation that has been central to Black life—even when history tried to silence or erase us. It is time to reflect on the power of storytelling as a tool of liberation and survival.
Juneteenth wasn’t the end—it was a beginning. Let’s connects the historic moment of emancipation to the ongoing global Black freedom struggle. You’re invited submit work that demonstrates how the past echoes into the present and to amplify the unbreakable spirit of liberation across generations and borders.
Submission Guidelines:
Eligibility: Open to all artists.
Medium: All visual art forms are welcome (painting, drawing, digital art, mixed media, etc.).
Requirements: Each submission must be accompanied by a brief description (200-300 words) explaining how the artwork honors a historical figure or event that has contributed to the African diaspora and the lives we live today.
How to Enter:
Create: Produce a piece of art that aligns with the theme. This must be a new piece. Document this creation process via a photo story, video, or some creative means that can be shared on social channels and website.
Describe: Write a brief description of your artwork and its significance.
Submit: Upload your artwork and description to the to submission form below by June 15th.
Share: If selected, ADAMA will send you an invitation to collaborate on the piece.
Judging Criteria:
Relevance to Theme: How well does the artwork honor the history of the African past?
Creativity: Originality and uniqueness of the artwork.
Artistic Quality: Skill and technique demonstrated in the artwork.
Impact: The emotional and inspirational impact of the piece.
Voting Process
After the submission deadline on June 15th, the top 4 submissions will be selected by our panel of judges. These top 4 artworks will be shared on ADAMA’s social media channels for public voting.
Public Voting Details:
Voting Period: June 16th to June 18th
How to Vote:
Likes: Each like on a post is worth 1 vote.
Shares: Each share is worth 3 votes.
Comments: Each comment is worth 1 vote.
The artwork with the highest combined votes from likes, shares, and comments will be announced as the winner on June 19th!
Timeline
Contest Start Date: Now
Submission Deadline: June 15th, 11:59 PM EST
Top 4 Announcement: June 16th
Voting Period: June 16th-18th
Winner Announcement: June 19th on the ADAMA website and social media channels
Prize
Grand Prize:
2 Tickets to the Playas Ball on June 21st at the Tara Theatre
A 60 minute one-on-one critique/consultation with Fahamu Pecou, Founder of ADAMA! This exclusive session will provide invaluable insights and guidance to help you refine your artistic practice and grow as an artist. During this time you can ask Fahamu anything and learn from a living great!
