FLOWERS NOW! A Celebration of Black Elders of the Arts Community

The Cedar Presents

FLOWERS NOW! A Celebration of Black Elders of the Arts Community

Sunday, May 31, 2026 / Doors: 4:00 PM / Show: 4:30 PM

All Ages

Seated

This is a seated show with general admission, first-come, first-served seating. The Cedar is happy to reserve seats for patrons who require special seating accommodations. To request access accommodations, please go to our

For Cedar presented shows, online ticket sales typically end one hour before the door time, and then, based on availability, tickets will be available at the door. Tickets purchased at the door will include a $1 Eventbrite fee.

ABOUT THIS SHOW

The Givens Collection of African American Literature and Life is proud to present its next iteration of Flowers Now!, a performance and awards ceremony honoring the contributions of artists and arts leaders who have left indelible and sustained crucial contributions to the artistic culture of the Twin Cities. Hosted by poet Tish Jones with performances by Cornbread Harris, Libby Turner, Queen Drea and Lela Pierce.

This year’s honorees include:

Walter Griffin, photographer

Mary Moore Easter, poet and dancer

Mahmoud El-Kati, scholar & teacher

Titilayo Bediako, educator

Vusi Zulu, master storyteller

Serena Wright, arts leader

James Samuel "Cornbread" Harris Jr., musician

Josie Johnson, arts leader

Bill Jeter, visual artist

John Devine, musician (ally honor)

Faye Washington, musician and teacher (ancestor honor)

Toni Pierce-Sands, dancer & choreographer (ancestor honor)

Join us as we gather at The Cedar to celebrate and award honorees an original piece of art, a token of gratitude for their work as institution-builders, teachers, mentors and devotees of the artistic calling.

Sponsors include: University of Minnesota Libraries, The Cedar and KFAI Community Radio.

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Host or Publisher The Cedar Cultural Center