Juneteenth is a holiday, celebrated annually on June 19, that remembers the day in 1865 when word came to enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, that they were free — two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863.
While celebrated by many in the Black community for generations, Juneteenth has become more popularized in recent years.
President Joe Biden signed the newest federal holiday, Juneteenth National Independence Day, into law on June 17, 2021 (bit.ly/3MNcbvx).
The annual celebration, also known as Jubilee Day, Freedom Day and African American Independence Day, is celebrated with family and community get-togethers, eating red-colored foods, like red velvet cake and red fruity drinks, sharing family history, music, songs, stories and supporting Black-owned businesses.
Here is a sampling of Juneteenth events in the Los Angeles region.
June 15
Virtual conference: Cal State University, in partnership with Cal State Dominguez Hills, will begin a two-day, virtual, Juneteenth symposium titled “By Any Means Necessary: Synthesizing the Voices of Our Ancestors and Everyday People,” featuring a lineup of national figures and scholars. Register at https://execuconnect.regfox.com/csu-juneteenth-virtual.
June 17
Juneteenth Celebration and Resource Fair: Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell’s office hosts the second annual event with activities, musical entertainment, food trucks, COVID-19 vaccinations and workshops on record expungement, mental health counseling, tenant protections and immigration services, noon-4 p.m. June 17. Registration in advance is required; space is limited. Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park, 905 E. El Segundo Blvd., Willowbrook. Register here: mitchell.lacounty.gov/juneteenth
June 18
Opal’s Walk for Freedom – Juneteenth event: Opal Lee, the “grandmother of Juneteenth,” has been walking 2.5 miles for many years to raise awareness of, and to campaign for, Juneteenth to be made a federal holiday. The 2.5 mile walk in Pacoima begins, 8 a.m. The length of miles is symbolic of the two and a half years for enslaved people in Texas to be told of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. Register in advance online at www.covenantinternational.net or register on-site at 7 a.m. The walk begins and ends at Alicia Broadous Duncan Multipurpose Senior Center, 11300 Glenoaks Blvd., Pacoima. More information/volunteer to help with the walk, the Rev. Zedar Broadous, 818-454-4626 or email: admin@covenantinternational.net. More information, www.covenantinternational.net/
City of Pasadena’s 14th annual Juneteenth Celebration: This free, family-friendly Juneteenth celebration will feature drummers and dancers from the Alkebulan Cultural Center, live music provided by Luv From Abuv and spoken word performed by Pasadena City College students. Arts and crafts, line dancing, inflatable games and free food while supplies last will also be provided. Come join representatives from five historically Black colleges and universities and two local higher education institutions from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 1081 North Fair Oaks Avenue in Pasadena. Details: bit.ly/3OdhyoT
Juneteenth Day of Service and Community Resource Fair: The second annual event includes the dedication of the Linda Dent Memorial Amphitheater and the Linda Dent Memorial Fund for Compton Creek Natural Park, games and contests, employment information, health screenings and food, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The dedication ceremony at 10 a.m. Compton Creek Natural Park, 941 W. Cressey St., Compton. 213-399-3584 or kristian.huling@seiu721.org.
Taste of Compton, A Juneteenth Celebration: From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at the NHS Center for Sustainable Communities, 1051 W. Rosecrans Ave., Compton, hosted by the Neighborhood Housing Services of LA County. There will be arts and crafts, live music, housing and small business workshops.
Juneteenth Pickleball Round Robin: From 9 a.m. to noon at Darby Park, 3400 W. Arbor Vitae St., Inglewood, hosted by the Inglewood Pickleball Foundation. Players will rotate partners and opponents. Registration is $30; a portion of proceeds will go to the foundation. Register on Eventbrite.
Juneteenth Community Tennis Event: Celebrate the rich history of Juneteenth, Black history and the impact of the Black community in the world of tennis and beyond. There will be tennis activities for adults and children, food, music and exhibitions. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Edward Vincent Jr. Park, 700 Warren Lane, Inglewood, hosted by the US Tennis Association of Southern California and the 40 Love Foundation.
Juneteenth at the Altadena Library: The Altadena Library District will celebrate the accomplishments of local African Americans, both past and present, who are making or made a significant contribution to Altadena and its community. In 2021, the Altadena Historical Society commemorated the life of Ellen Garrison Clark, a 19th Century Civil Rights Activist and created a Scholarship Fund in her honor. This year, the Altadena Historical Society will award the Inaugural $1,000 scholarship to a 2022 John Muir High School graduating senior, at the Altadena Juneteenth Celebration occurring from 2–4 p.m. at the Altadena Library located at 600 East Mariposa Street.
Crenshaw Family YMCA – Juneteenth Unifest: The second annual Juneteenth event with games, performances, speakers, financial literacy workshops and Black-owned business vendors, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 3820 Santa Rosalia Drive, Los Angeles. 323-292-9195. www.facebook.com/CrenshawFamilyYMCA. Register in advance here: www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-unifest-registration-344481311877
Summer Bash at Hollywood Park – Honoring Juneteenth: The event includes a health and wellness fair, local business expo, a hiring fair, food trucks and a kid’s zone, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Hollywood Park Moves workout classes, 9-10 a.m. (in the upper American Airlines Plaza). Also, activities that promote interest in the Kinsey African American Art and History Collection at SoFi Stadium (discounted tickets to see the exhibit here: bit.ly/3xRqv20). Free admission. 1001 S. Stadium Drive, Inglewood. www.sofistadium.com/summerbash/
Celebration of Freedom – Juneteenth online talk: Los Angeles County Public Library presents storyteller Binnie Tate Wilkin relating folktales, history and personal stories about Juneteenth, 11 a.m. Minimum age: adults. Register in advance for the Zoom link here: bit.ly/3NILHMZ. lacountylibrary.org/celebrate-juneteenth/
Juneteenth Community Marketplace: Zawadi Cultural Collective and Black in the Valley present a family-friendly celebration with children’s activities, music, raffles, speakers and Black small-business owners information and sales, 1-6 p.m. See a directory of Black-owned business in the San Fernando Valley here: blackinthevalley.org/directory.html). Bring your own picnic, blankets or lawn chairs. Woodley Park, 6350 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys. 818-925-6904. Email: zawadiculturalcollective@gmail.com. blackinthevalley.org; www.facebook.com/zawadiculturalcollective/
Juneteenth Freedom Day Walk: The event begins with a walk and also includes a resource fair, live music, wellness stations and Covid-19 vaccinations, 1-6 p.m. Walk registration check-in, 12:30 p.m. (register in advance to receive a “goodie bag”) Bring your own blanket or lawn chair to use after the walk. The event is presented by the Black Mental Health Task Force, Los Angeles County Department Mental Health, San Gabriel Valley African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Community Action Team. Dalton Park, 18867 E. Armstead St., Azusa. Register in advance here and more details: bit.ly/3xJxFoF
Juneteenth celebration pop-up: Music and food vendors, noon-5 p.m. 5471 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles. Register and details here: bit.ly/3MLzBS7
City of Gardena Juneteenth: 2-6 p.m. Bring your own blanket or low-back lawn chair for seating. City Hall Complex, 1670 W. 162nd St., Gardena. 310-217-9537. Facebook (scroll to the June 6 posting to see the flyer), www.facebook.com/gardenacityhall. www.cityofgardena.org
Juneteenth at Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation: Event at three parks includes art and photography displays, children’s activities, performances, speakers, artisan and food vendors, 2-6 p.m. Parks include: El Cariso Community Regional Park (13100 Hubbard St., Sylmar; 818-367-5043; parks.lacounty.gov/el-cariso-community-regional-park/); Dalton Park (18867 E. Armstead St., Azusa; 626-852-1491; parks.lacounty.gov/dalton-park/); Jackie Robinson Park (8773 E. Avenue R, Littlerock; 661-944-2880; parks.lacounty.gov/jackie-robinson-park/) Details: bit.ly/3xNetqk
June 19
Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth Together!: Open Arms Food Pantry and Resource Center presents the event that includes a panel discussion, marketplace, live music, a children’s art workshop and food, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Westchester Park, 7000 W. Manchester Ave., Westchester. Details: bit.ly/3MKBi25
The People’s Juneteenth: Africa Town Enterprise is partnering with the African Village Vendors Association for the event that includes performances, food and vendors, 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Free admission. Leimert Park Village, 4343 Leimert Blvd., Los Angeles. www.facebook.com/africatownenterprise/
Juneteenth – A Reunion of Family and Faith – Let Freedom Ring!: The Rev. Lemuel M. Mossett III leads the worship service, 10:30 a.m., followed by a community celebration with live entertainment, noon-5 p.m. Calvary Baptist Church, 1502 20th St., Santa Monica. Facebook: www.facebook.com/calvarysantamonica. 310-829-3291. calvarysantamonica.org
Juneteenth Prosperity Market at California African American Museum: Event includes a farmers market, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; children’s art activities, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (outdoors); a “sound bath, 11 a.m.-noon (indoors). The museum has free admission. Reservations for the activities here: caamuseum.org/programs/talks-and-workshops/juneteenth-prosperity-market-caam. The museum is located at 600 State Drive (in Exposition Park), Los Angeles. caamuseum.org
Juneteenth Rhythm & Blues: The City of Carson and Carson Citizens Cultural Arts Foundation presents the event with the theme “The Best History Lesson Ever,” with music by the Calloway Brothers and Greg Rose and the Greg Rose Orchestra, a car show, vendors and a teen fun zone, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Rules: no high-back chairs, no dogs and no BBQ grills.Mills Park, 1340 E. Dimondale Drive, Carson. Mills Park, 310-631-3130 or the recreation division, 310-847-3570. Details: bit.ly/3xgGJjy
Juneteenth Marketplace: Social Ripple Effect, a nonprofit group, presents a Black-owned business expo, DJ Hunny Bee and live music and other activities, noon-5 p.m. There will also be a memorial honoring victims of gun violence. Ovation Hollywood (formerly Hollywood and Highland center), 6801 Hollywood Blvd., second floor courtyard, Hollywood. ovationhollywood.com; thesocialrippleeffect.org
Juneteenth Festival by SoulfulofNoise: Event includes games, health and wellness information, live music, food trucks, vendors and an entrepreneurship workshop, noon-6 p.m. Register in advance here: bit.ly/3mE7Z6E. Comfort LA, (parking lot next door), 1110 E. Seventh St., Los Angeles. Information about SoulfulofNoise: www.soulfulofnoise.com
Juneteenth Rooftop Day Party: Dancing and music, 4-9 p.m. Free admission by 4:30 p.m. with a reservation; $15 after. Treehouse Rooftop, 686 N. Spring St., Los Angeles. Details and to RSVP: bit.ly/3NNWAgr
Juneteenth Fireworks: The Port of Los Angeles presents fireworks, 8:45 p.m. Best viewing is from Cabrillo Beach, 3720 Stephen M. White Dr., San Pedro (www.laparks.org/beach/cabrillo-beach). www.portoflosangeles.org/community/events
Juneteenth Soul Food & Live Entertainment: Black in Mayberry, a nonprofit based in El Segundo, and Barsha host a celebration of freedom that includes soul food, live music, poetry and comedy from 2 to 5 p.m. at Barsha, 1141 Aviation Blvd. in Hermosa Beach. Tickets cost $10-$20 with dinner costs separate. www.blackinmayberry.org.
June 20
Kingdom Day Parade: The parade, usually held in January in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is presented, 11 a.m. The theme is “Healing America.” Suggested time to gather on the route: 9 a.m. Parade route: Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at Western Avenue, west on MLK Jr. to Crenshaw Boulevard, south on Crenshaw to West Vernon Avenue, Los Angeles. Find the map on the website. 844-454-6432; 323-350-2667; 818-605-7405. kingdomdayparade.org/
Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom: Event includes children’s activities, live entertainment (including vocalists Drea Courtney and Bili Redd Thedford), community information and health information booths, food trucks and vendors, 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Ms. Opal Lee, the “grandmother of Juneteenth,” is the special guest. Kevin Nash, radio personality (KJLH/102.3 FM) is the host. Alicia Broadous Duncan Multipurpose Senior Center, 11300 Glenoaks Blvd., Pacoima. covenantinternational.net/2022/05/juneteenth-celebration-of-freedom/
Santa Barbara and Ventura counties
Juneteenth Celebration in Oxnard: The Juneteenth Committee of Ventura County presents the event with art, exhibits, food, health and wellness information and vendors, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 18. The Buffalo Soldier Mounted Cavalry Unit is scheduled to be in attendance. Event celebrates the 1865 historical Proclamation of Freedom from slavery in Texas. Fun dress code: if you are able, vintage attire from 1865 is encouraged. The celebration will also stream live on Facebook. Plaza Park, Oxnard. 805-901-3639. www.juneteenthoxnard.org
Juneteenth Block Party in Santa Barbara: The event, with the theme “Caring for the People,” includes entertainment, food, Black/African American Artisan Market and a Kid’s Zone, noon-5 p.m. June 19. Free admission. Location, in front of Shalhoo’s Funk Zone Patio,200 block of Bray Avenue between East Montecito and East Yanonali street, Santa Barbara. Email: juneteenthsbc@gmail.com. Instagram: bit.ly/3vOZOHL. www.facebook.com/JuneteenthSB; juneteenthsb.org. Details: bit.ly/3MYK24V
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