The 2025 Juneteenth Concert Experience is set to feature a dynamic expansion of its creative lineup with the addition of acclaimed visual artist Dionne Polite. As part of Imagination Unchained: A Celebration of Juneteenth Through Art, Culture, and Black Brilliance, Polite brings her vibrant storytelling to the stage on Friday, June 20th at 8 PM, hosted at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center.
While the concert is rooted in music, this year’s program offers a deeper artistic experience—one that visually honors Black resilience, memory, and joy.
Dionne Polite, a proud Guyanese-American painter, contributes an intimate, culturally rich lens to the exhibit. Deeply influenced by her Caribbean roots and personal life experiences, her work explores identity, ancestral pride, and collective memory. Her artistic journey took on new depth in 2019, after her father was diagnosed with dementia. What began as a series of therapeutic sketches soon evolved into CCC: Culture and Creativity on Canvas.
“My work doesn’t center on trauma,” says Polite. “I want to celebrate our nobility and resilience. Across the African diaspora, we’ve flourished no matter where we’ve landed.”
From regal African iconography to vibrant slices of Afro-Caribbean life, Polite’s paintings are emotional, expressive, and bursting with joy. Her signature use of bold reds, purples, yellows, and blues reflects both the warmth of her childhood and the strength of her community.
“I see my world through a kaleidoscope,” she reflects. “I hope my art helps others feel seen, celebrated, and inspired.”
To Dionne Polite, Juneteenth represents more than just a commemorative date—it’s a sacred moment for reflection and empowerment.
“It’s a time for remembering who we are and where we’ve come from,” she says. “That’s the story I tell with every brushstroke.”
With her presence in Imagination Unchained, Polite adds a striking visual element to the celebration—one that allows audiences not only to hear the rhythms of liberation, but to see them brought to life in vivid color.
Tickets: Available now at Showpass
Location: Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, 3800 NW 11th Pl, Lauderhill, FL 33311
Presented by: Next Weekend Productions, Inc.
Imagination Unchained—where creativity becomes a form of liberation.
Caribbean National Weekly caught up with Polite to learn more about her journey. This Q&A has been edited for length and clarity.
In a world where Caribbean narratives can often be overlooked, what message do you hope to convey through your artwork at this year’s celebration?
People of color are complex, and diversity lies within us. The Caribbean is not monolithic. My mother used to say, “We are not ordinary.” When you think of the way of life for Rastafarians, you see an interesting way of life and commitment. It’s about how you live your life and impact the space you’re in. Know who you are, know whose you are, and know how you want to show up.
How does it feel to be part of Imagination Unchained and to showcase your work in such a powerful celebration of Black culture and freedom?
Being part of Imagination Unchained is a compelling experience for me. As a Caribbean woman, I take immense pride in my Guyanese heritage. Guyana is geographically part of South America, but culturally tied to the Caribbean. My work reflects that richness, and I’m honored to showcase the pride and vibrancy of Black culture during Juneteenth.
In what ways does your artwork celebrate Black exceptionalism and the legacy of liberation that Juneteenth represents?
My art is rooted in personal and cultural experiences. I began painting in 2020 when my father began showing signs of dementia. I turned to art as a way to reconnect with him—through shared memories like swimming on Sundays and kite-flying. I remember panicking when he accidentally let go of me in the water, but he swooped me up like a hero. That presence is something I now honor through recurring water scenes in my work.
Can you walk us through one of the pieces you’re showcasing at the event and what it symbolizes?
Art became my form of storytelling. I call it Culture and Creativity on Canvas (CCC). My East Indian ancestry is part of that too—women in sarees, different skin tones, and hair textures. I want my work to affirm those who see themselves reflected and expand the worldview of those who don’t.
How do you hope audiences, especially younger generations, will connect with your work during this celebration?
Memory plays a profound role in my art, and Juneteenth is about remembrance. I’m drawn to vibrant colors and homes that are perfectly imperfect. My grandmother raised five kids while working as a maid and seamstress in Guyana. Her mantra was, “Your circumstances do not define how you show up.” My mother reminded me that creativity runs through our family—even when I stepped away from it for a time.
My work doesn’t focus on trauma. It celebrates Black excellence and the legacy of liberation. I paint Maasai warriors and native Africans who’ve risen above struggle. Across the diaspora, we’ve grown no matter where we’ve landed. That’s the story I want to tell.
Can you tell us more about the piece you’re contributing to Imagination Unchained?
One of the pieces I’m showcasing reflects lineage and unity. My grandmother moved to Britain and raised family there, but the cultural bond never broke. As we often say, it’s the blood that binds us; it’s just water that divides us. I hope my work helps people see themselves, their journey, and their history.
What message would you share with other creatives about using art to preserve culture, express identity, and spark healing?
I hope my work sparks something in younger generations. I live by the quote: “Each one, reach one, teach one.” If even one person feels inspired—to think differently, speak up, or believe in their story—then they’re connected to the art.
To other creatives: be unapologetically brave. Don’t limit yourself to what your mind tells you is possible. Let your heart lead, and create without fear.
