The Park Awakens: Emptiness to Fade MLK Park as Rochester Gears Up for the 2023 Juneteenth Festival

Next weekend, Saturday, June 17, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park will be filled with thousands of local residents and tourists. The Greater Rochester community will commemorate 50 years of hip-hop and embrace a lifetime of freedom at the 2023 Juneteenth Festival.

The festival will kick off with an elders ceremony inside the Strong National Museum of Play at 11 a.m. to acknowledge the true meaning of Juneteenth.

The festival will pay homage to the incredible legacy of hip-hop, a genre that has revolutionized music and culture for five decades. Headlining the event is the sensational Lil' Mo, whose electrifying performance will take center stage, captivating audiences with her soulful voice and undeniable stage presence.

But the excitement doesn't stop there! The festival will feature a Hip Hop DJ tribute, where talented DJs will showcase their skills, spinning iconic beats that have shaped the hip-hop landscape. Get ready to groove and celebrate the cultural impact of this influential genre.

For those seeking spiritual inspiration, the Gospel Hour will uplift hearts and souls with soul-stirring melodies and powerful messages of hope and resilience. This special segment will bring together diverse voices from the community, offering a truly uplifting and unifying experience.

The 2023 Juneteenth Festival is a celebration for all ages, with a dedicated Kids Zone offering a wide array of fun-filled activities and entertainment. Children will delight in interactive games, a foam party, and much more, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

As the official radio sponsor, the entire staff at The Beat 105.5 FM, a Hip Hop and R&B radio station will be onsite with giveaways and tickets to Masters of the Mic Hip Hop 50 Tour scheduled for July 22 at The Blue Cross Arena-- Featuring Rakim, EPMD, KRS ONE, Doug E Fresh and Slick Rick.

Attendees can also explore the vibrant Vendors Plaza, where local artisans and businesses will showcase their unique crafts, artwork, and delectable cuisines.