HEARTS Junion ‘25 Recap and Upcoming Programs
Vision Elite Royalty Dance at HEARTS Junion ‘25
HEARTS' fourth annual Junion at Cedar Grove on Saturday, June 28, 2025, was a day filled with history, nature, art, music, storytelling, and community. Junion is a HEARTS Happening that brings locals together to celebrate HEARTS Reunion Project, which documents, preserves, and shares the history of all descendants connected to Cedar Grove, including the Native Americans, African Americans, and tenant farmers who once lived here. This gathering features live performances, artwork, and meaningful storytelling that brings history to life.
Live music by International Groove Nation kicked off the event and entertained guests with their musical talents, performing classic soul and R&B.
Sharing history through dance
Guests were also treated to a moving performance by the local dance crew, Vision Elite Royalty. Debuting a new piece titled, “Lift Every Voice,” in honor of HEARTS Reunion project and the Junion event. Through powerful choreography, the dancers beautifully expressed themes of resilience, gratitude, and the ongoing journey towards freedom and unity. The dancers’ emotions captured the storytelling of struggle, rising hope, and collective strength.
Our Eco-Minute, led by Aaron Kampe and Abigail Jennings, shared updates about the old boxwood garden, becoming new once again. The historic boxwoods have been dated to be more than 200 years old. The garden is being transformed into a new memorial garden dedicated to honoring everyone who has ever called this land home. This peaceful addition will serve as a place for reflection, remembrance, and connection to the land’s deep history. Aaron and Abigail reviewed the gardening plan for the future garden and recognized the new bench crafted by local woodworker Josh Oldfield of Oldfield Woodworks.
Recently, the top of the Eastern Red Cedar in the front lawn of Cedar Grove fell in a thunderstorm. In the HEARTS spirit of honoring the land, the massive fallen trunk was beautifully repurposed into a new element within the boxwood garden, offering a quiet and reflective space for visitors. It’s both a functional and artistic addition, honoring the land’s history while repurposing its natural materials. They also discussed the future of the remaining portion of the tree, which currently is a sad-looking remnant of its former splendor. Aaron explained that by not trimming the tree further, there is hope for new growth next Spring.
The debut of a new exhibit in Cedar Grove’s Center Hall gallery, “Honoring,” features the powerful works by artists Sabrina Tillman and Eva Crawford. The art exhibit evokes resilience, remembrance, and community, adding a deeply personal and creative dimension to the space’s evolving tribute to modern descendants.
Andre’ Kearns at HEARTS Junion ‘25 with a photo of his Sons of the American Revolution induction ceremony in Washington, DC.
The highlight of the afternoon was André Kearns, HEARTS Reunion Co-chair and a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution. André shared his latest genealogy discoveries, introducing us to two newly found ancestors by the names of Johannes Schmier, a German immigrant and Revolutionary War patriot, and Henry Johnson. Johnson is André’s 3rd great-grandfather, who was born enslaved in Lincolnton, North Carolina. Andre’ captivated the audience with his genealogical journey, bringing history to life, and recognizing the importance of honoring everyone’s story. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the USA, Andre’ eloquently shared, “All of this, all of us, is America 250.”
HEARTS July Evening Event at Cedar Grove
Looking ahead, we hope you can join us for HEARTS: An Evening of Art & Film, happening on July 19th from 7–9 PM at historic Cedar Grove.
This special evening will feature four films by local creators, including the North Carolina premiere of “Echoes of the Forks of Cypress” by Frederick Murphy, the pre-premier of “Charlotte 7” by Julia Robinson Moore, Charlotte fashion designer’s Will Smith’s fashion film “A Stitch In Time,” shot on location at Cedar Grove, and the award-winning documentary “Warp Weft Water Weeds,” featuring artist Elizabeth Bradford produced by John Rash and Davidson College.
In addition, Sabrina Tillman and Eva Crawford, currently featured in the Center Hall gallery exhibit, “Honoring,” will speak about their work. Space is limited, reserve your seat and get your tickets here.
HEARTS is coming to Statesville
In August, HEARTS is taking the show on the road to Statesville for their third annual HEARTS Sacred Grounds event in partnership with the Iredell Arts Council. On August 16th, from 2-4 PM at the historic Iredell Jail, we will continue our exploration of historic churches and burial grounds in our region with Dr. Julia Robinson Moore. Also featuring live music by Sacred Steel artist Dashawn Hickman, visual art by Tony Griffin, and the poetry of William P. Baldwin from their book, “Southern Prayers.” The nature focus is on historical burial ground plantings. Free to the community, tickets are required, and donations are appreciated. Tickets are available here.
Thank YOU!
Thank you to all our guests who joined us for HEARTS Junion ‘25. We are grateful for your support. A heartfelt thank you to Lake Norman Realty as our Presenting Sponsor and all of our HEARTS Circle members for their continued support of HEARTS (history, ecology, art, reunion, trails, and store) and our mission to preserve and celebrate the importance of history and heritage within our region. If you’re not yet a HEARTS Circle member, now’s a perfect time to join our growing community. Together, we’ll continue preserving and connecting the stories, people, and places that shaped this land. Members, mark your calendars for our annual HEARTS Circle Members’ Gala, September 27th at Cedar Grove, featuring NC Hall of Fame 2025 Inductee David Childers. We hope to see you there!
