Rhythm of Change Exhibit

June 12 – August 9, 2026

Troy-Hayner Cultural Center

Free admission during regular open hours

Exhibit Opening Reception

Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 3:00 PM

Refreshments, music, and community fellowship

Juneteenth Opening Celebration & Concert

Friday, June 19, 2026

6:30 PM — Doors open, refreshments & children’s art exhibit

7:00 PM — Deron Bell Band concert

Hayner Courtyard

Free admission | First come, first served seating

Juneteenth Community Festival

Saturday, June 20, 2026

2:45 PM — Community walk begins

3:30–5:30 PM — Festival at McKaig & Race Park

Rhythm of Change

“Rhythm of Change” maps the visual flow of cultural change in America from 1619 to the present day. The exhibit explores how Black artists, religious leaders, educators, musicians, and activists helped shape Ohio and the nation through art, music, literature, dance, faith, and community leadership.

Created by the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in partnership with graduate students from Wright State University’s Public History program, the exhibit highlights generations of Black voices whose influence continues to shape American culture today.

The exhibit will be available free of charge during regular open hours at the Hayner Center from June 12 through August 9, 2026.

Then maybe a smaller sidebar-style block:

About NAAMCC

Located in Wilberforce, Ohio, the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center is part of the Ohio History Connection system and houses one of the nation’s largest collections of African American historical artifacts and artwork.

Juneteenth Opening Celebration

Friday, June 19, 2026

Kick off Troy’s Juneteenth weekend with an evening of music, art, fellowship, and celebration in the Hayner Courtyard.

The evening begins at 6:30 PM with complimentary refreshments, hibiscus punch, and a children’s art exhibit displayed in the Hayner art studio. At 7:00 PM, the Deron Bell Band presents “The History of Funk Music in Ohio,” exploring the deep musical roots of funk in Dayton and across the Miami Valley through live music, storytelling, and personal experiences from Bell’s career growing up in the birthplace of funk music.

Deron Bell is a Dayton-area musician, educator, and music director known throughout the region’s vibrant funk, jazz, gospel, and performing arts communities. Throughout his career he has performed with artists including Bootsy Collins, James Brown, Peabo Bryson, Shirley Murdock, and many others.

Bell currently serves as drummer at Second Baptist Church in Springfield, Ohio and Music Director for the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. He has also performed with the Dayton Philharmonic and appeared at venues including the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center and the Arbogast Performing Arts Center.

All seating is first come, first served and admission is free.

Juneteenth Community Festival

Saturday, June 20, 2026 | McKaig & Race Park

The celebration continues on Saturday with a community festival presented by I.D.E.A. Troy.

Festivities begin with a Juneteenth walk departing from Troy First United Methodist Church at 2:30 PM and arriving at McKaig & Race Park for the 3:00 PM festival opening.

The afternoon festival will feature live music, games, food, nonprofit and community organization booths, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to connect and celebrate together. Community members will also be able to visit participating booths, enter a drawing for a community basket giveaway, and enjoy an afternoon centered around fellowship, education, and celebration.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy festival food offerings, including smoked meats from Troy’s Bakehouse Bread and a special serving of Hoppin’ Johns and collard greens prepared for the celebration.

Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

About Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States and celebrates Black history, culture, achievement, and community. Observed annually on June 19, it serves as both a celebration and a reflection on the ongoing pursuit of equality, creativity, and freedom.