Ja Rule, LeToya Luckett & DJ Kid Capri to Headline NYC Juneteenth Celebration in Central Park
The free event from the New York City Commission on Racial Equity and SummerStage will spotlight reparations and racial equity initiatives.
The New York City Commission on Racial Equity (NYC CORE), in association with SummerStage, will host a free Juneteenth Celebration on Reparations & Racial Equity on June 19, 2026, at SummerStage in Central Park.
The event will feature performances by hip-hop icon Ja Rule, Grammy Award-winning singer LeToya Luckett, and legendary DJ Kid Capri, while also serving as a public forum for New Yorkers to learn about and provide feedback on the City's reparations initiatives and Preliminary Racial Equity Plan.
Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. at SummerStage in Central Park.
More than a concert, the celebration is designed to foster civic engagement around some of the most significant racial justice initiatives currently underway in New York City. Through Local Laws 91 and 92, the City has committed to examining the historical and ongoing impacts of slavery, segregation, discrimination, and systemic inequities while developing recommendations for reparative action.
"Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, but it is also a call to action," said Linda Tigani, Chair and Executive Director of NYC CORE. "As we commemorate the resilience and contributions of the African American community, we must also confront the unfinished work of achieving racial justice. This event creates a space where culture, community, and civic engagement intersect."
Tigani added that attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the City's reparations mandates, provide feedback on reparative justice policy, and help shape future racial equity efforts.
"This is a historic moment for New York City," said Tyrik Washington, Political Strategist for NYC CORE. "For generations, conversations about reparations have remained theoretical. Today, New York City has actual laws on the books that require action, accountability, and public participation."
The event is expected to attract community leaders, advocates, elected officials, faith leaders, and residents from across all five boroughs. Attendees will be able to engage directly with NYC CORE representatives and contribute feedback that will help inform the City's forthcoming Reparations Report.
"Racial equity cannot be created behind closed doors," Tigani said. "The people most impacted by inequity must have a voice in shaping the solutions. Juneteenth gives us an opportunity to celebrate our culture while strengthening our democracy."
Event Information
NYC Commission on Racial Equity Presents
A Free Juneteenth Celebration on Reparations & Racial Equity
Date: June 19, 2026
Time: Doors Open at 5:00 p.m.
Location: SummerStage in Central Park
5th Avenue, New York, NY 10021
Featuring Performances By
- Ja Rule
- LeToya Luckett
- DJ Kid Capri
About NYC CORE
The Commission on Racial Equity (NYC CORE) is an independent 15-member commission responsible for advancing racial equity in government operations and increasing community participation in government decision-making. The commission is tasked with implementing New York City Administrative Code Title 34 on Racial Equity, including the development of a Truth, Healing, and Reconciliation Plan and a study examining New York City government's ties to slavery, Jim Crow, and their lasting impacts, along with recommendations for reparative policies.
About SummerStage
Celebrating its 40th season in 2026, SummerStage is one of New York City's most beloved free outdoor performing arts festivals. The festival presents more than 70 free and benefit performances annually in Central Park and neighborhood parks throughout the five boroughs, showcasing artists across genres including jazz, hip-hop, Latin, global music, indie rock, and dance.
