Twin siblings Martina and Marcellus Barksdale started planning events together at 10 years old, Martina Barksdale told us. So it was natural when the idea to start SoulFeast Week came up between the two in 2020 as a way to lift up Black culture and businesses.

From Thursday, June 18 to Sunday, June 21, its sixth incarnation promises to be the largest yet, organized around Juneteenth, with each of its flagship events moving to new venues across the city.

Tickets for events can be purchased at the stated cost or as a "Proud-to-Pay" ticket where you choose what to pay, enabled by a partnership with Traditional Bank.

Some highlights of this year's lineup:

Kick-Off Soiree | Thursday, June 18 | 6-9 p.m. | The Melroy (144 N. Broadway) | A ticketed gathering with small bites from chef Makeiah Walker and cocktails by Fresh Bourbon.
SoulTeenth Fest | Saturday, June 20 | 2-9 p.m. | Gatton Park (795 Manchester St.) | This free, family-friendly downtown community Juneteenth festival day features live music, cooking demos, crafts, and vendors.
Soulful Sunday Gospel Brunch | Sunday, June 21 | 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. seatings |The V at The Vine (106 W. Vine St.) | Live gospel music and food by chef Isaiah Screetch.

New historical marker dedication

During the SoulTeenth Fest, a dedication and soil collection ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. to unveil a new Gatton Park historical marker honoring Robert Charles O'Hara Benjamin. Benjamin was "a lawyer, journalist, poet, minster, educator, and tireless advocate for Black voting rights" who was murdered in 1900 in Lexington for his advocacy.

A flyer with a photo of RCO Benjamin as a young man. — During his tenure in Lexington, Benjamin used his voice to advance the rights of Black citizens. | Courtesy of the Blue Grass Community Foundaiton.

The marker is Lexington's first Equal Justice Initiative Community Remembrance Project, coordinated by the Blue Grass Community Foundation, the Lexington Justice and Legacy Alliance, and other partners.

Kentucky Black Restaurant Week

Barksdale said that pulling in nonprofit Black Soil early on in planning for SoulFeast was a natural move. The two are also partners on Kentucky Black Restaurant Week, which runs from Monday, June 22 through Sunday, June 28.

During the week, diners can find meals of $15 or less at participating restaurants, which include Empanada Company, Dova's, and AJ's Wings & Things. Each special will feature at least one ingredient produced by a local Black farmer sourced by Black Soil.