Juneteenth Celebrations: A Vibrant Tapestry of Freedom and Unity in Los Angeles County
Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom and Unity in Los Angeles County
Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States, will be observed with a plethora of events throughout Los Angeles County on Wednesday, June 19.
Musical Extravaganzas Ignite the Spirit
- The Forum, Inglewood: Kendrick Lamar headlines “The Pop Out: Ken & Friends,” a star-studded concert featuring performances by DJ Hed, Mustard, and Lamar himself.
- Hollywood Bowl: R&B and hip-hop icon T-Pain leads a Juneteenth celebration with a full orchestra, joined by Ledisi, D Smoke, Jordin Sparks, and Tevin Campbell.
Community Events Foster Unity and Empowerment
- Ovation Hollywood: Live music, a car show, and spoken word performances highlight a festive Juneteenth gathering on Hollywood Boulevard.
- Poncitlán Square, Palmdale: A vibrant celebration with live music, food vendors, family activities, and a Juneteenth-themed paint and sip experience.
- Farnsworth Park, Altadena: A special screening of “Ellen Garrison: Scenes From An Activist’s Life,” followed by scholarship presentations honoring the legacy of a pioneering Civil Rights activist.
- Venice: A panel discussion on freedom and the ongoing fight for equality at “Freedom! A Juneteenth Art Exhibition.”
Sports Teams Embrace the Occasion
- LA Galaxy Foundation: A partnership with Black Star launches at the Dignity Health Sports Park game against NYCFC, providing soccer opportunities for Black youth.
- Angel City FC: The Black Women’s Player Collective hosts a panel discussion before the NWSL match against Racing Louisville FC.
Citywide Celebrations Illuminate the Occasion
- Los Angeles City Hall: Bathed in green and red, the landmark building pays homage to Juneteenth.
- Los Angeles International Airport: Pylons adorned in red, black, and green mark the celebration.
- Pacific Park, Santa Monica: The Ferris wheel showcases vibrant displays of red, white, blue, green, and gold.
- Julian Dixon Culver City Library: Stories and art activities unite the community in celebration.
- Victoria Community Regional Park, Carson: Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell’s annual Juneteenth Celebration & Resource Fair offers a haven for community engagement.
- Val Verde Community Park, Castaic: A family-friendly gathering with music and food marks the occasion.
The Significance of Juneteenth
Juneteenth commemorates the reading of General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, which officially announced the abolition of slavery in the Confederate states. It became a federal holiday in 2021, underscoring its importance as a day of both celebration and reflection.
“Juneteenth is an acknowledgment of the truth of our nation’s history,” said President Biden. “It is about realizing the idea that America was founded on: All people are created equal and deserve to be treated equally throughout their lives.”
A Vibrant Tapestry of Events
From musical extravaganzas to community gatherings, sports events, and citywide celebrations, Juneteenth in Los Angeles County promises a vibrant tapestry of events that honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future. Embrace the opportunity to delve into the rich history and profound significance of this historic holiday.