A poignant documentary detailing the first official Juneteenth celebration in Seattle will make its world premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival on June 7.

" Songs of Black Folk ," directed by Justin Emeka and Haley Watson, debuts this weekend as part of the festival's Shorts Program.

The 26-minute film features the historic moment when Seattle formally recognized Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Through personal stories, stirring musical performances and archival footage, the documentary honors the power of Black expression and the significance of community-driven celebration.

The film is centered around a pivotal citywide event led by Rev. Dr. Leslie Braxton and acclaimed composer and conductor Ramón Bryant Braxton, who helped

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