The Black Aura 2025 | KEHREIN CENTER

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The Kehrein Center for the Arts Foundation Presents the 2nd Annual Black Aura: A Weekend of Liberation & Arts June 28th-29th, 2025

The Kehrein Center for the Arts Foundation is proud to announce the return of its highly anticipated second annual event, The Black Aura: A Weekend of Liberation & Arts, happening June 28-29, 2025, at 5628 W. Washington Blvd. Chicago, IL. This powerful celebration responds to Chicago’s call for deeper cultural identity, clarity, and meaning around Juneteenth. Held in the weekend between Juneteenth and Independence Day, Black Aura is rooted in reflection, community, art, and liberation, offering a space to honor Black history, celebrate resilience, and envision a future of collective empowerment.

Positioned between Juneteenth and Independence Day, this immersive weekend aims to foster meaningful interactions among artists and community members. It provides opportunities to discover emerging talents, experience renowned multidisciplinary artists, deepen our understanding of shared histories, and strengthen bonds within the Austin community and beyond.

The weekend’s programming will spotlight Black liberation through a series of engaging, immersive experiences. Attendees will journey through cultural exhibits and performances that explore the complexities of our shared histories, honor ongoing struggles, and uplift the resilience that informs the Black experience. Through dynamic performances and visual art, The Black Aura celebrates the African American community, highlighting its beauty, richness, and humanity expressed through the arts.

Night 1: Soul & R'n'B Revue
Saturday, June 28th
5:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Emcee’d by Chicago’s very own, Comedian Ron Baker, this evening kicks off with an immersive celebration of Black liberation, featuring a vibrant mix of funk, jazz, soul, and R&B curated by none other than artist/singer/producer, Lynn Colbert-Jones, board member for Chicago Institute of Jazz. Visual artist Keila Strong will showcase an inspiring exhibit of paintings and mosaics that honor little black girls, their freedom to BE, and the rich stories of Black culture.

Additionally, for the second year, the 2025 Black Aura Awards will recognize changemakers whose visions propel liberation and cultural renaissance. Honorees embody our Legacy in Motion—carrying ancestral brilliance forward while forging bold new paths. Honorees this year include:

Bridge Award: Ana Garcia-Doyle, for her dedication to the mission of environmental justice, while connecting the Oak Park and Austin communities.
Cultivation Award: Kenn Cook, for his ongoing commitment to authentic storytelling and archival photography in Austin and on the West Side.
Legacy Award: Diana Graham, for her unwavering support of the West Side community and the Austin neighborhood for over 30 years.
Distinguished Black Aura Award: Chicago poet laureate, avery r. young, for harnessing funk and soul, only to reimagine these genres poetically toward local and global entertainment, transformation, and healing.

The night will conclude with music and dance, celebrating community joy and unity.

Awardees

Ana Garcia-Doyle

Bridge Award

Diana Graham

Legacy Award

Kenn Cook

Cultivation Award

avery r. young

Distinguished Black Aura Award

Saturday Performers

Meagan McNeal

Sayveior

Jason Warrior

Sheran Godspeed Keyton

Night 2: Gospel Explosion
Sunday, June 29th
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Join us for an inspiring gospel celebration in partnership with the Chicago Urban League. Led by the talented musician and songwriter, Marlon Washington, and narrated by North Lawndale’s very own, Wilonda Cannon, this journey “down through the years” of gospel, from the colonial era to the present, brings us 5 historical medleys that walk us from struggle through resilience in gospel glory! The program will feature performances from several local performers alongside special guests. The Jenipher Jones Experiment will uplift the crowd with soulful gospel melodies, creating an atmosphere of joy and spiritual renewal. The powerful voices of United Voices’ Austin Neighborhood Choir will fill the room, elevating the spirit of unity and celebration. Following the performances, guests are warmly invited to gather to fellowship in the KCA’s garden, fostering relationships and reflection in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Each day of The Black Aura promises over two dozen of the most exquisite local vendors offering international culinary delights, libations, ethnic apparel, essential oils, and other artisanal “folkware” for purchase, in alignment with the KCAF’s mission of practicing art at the intersection of entrepreneurship and economic development.