Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19th as a day that honors African American freedom across the United States. Despite the Emancipation Proclamation passing on January 1, 1863, it was not until this day in 1865 that slavery ended in this country. Juneteenth is not only a day of celebration, but also a day of learning. This roundup includes fun, instructional programs, songs and events around Los Angeles to honor and understand this important holiday.
Juneteenth
Get right with the history of emancipation and learn about how the US Colored Troops led the charge to the emancipation of all Black Americans in 1865. Co-written by Fyütch and the Alphabet Rockers, this song debunks the idea that the Emancipation Proclamation freed those who were enslaved. Take a joy ride and learn with this new anthem of Black liberation. spotify.com
Brotherhood Crusade Hosts Juneteenth Celebration
Honor Juneteenth with the Brotherhood Crusade on Friday, June 18th at 10:30am PT at the Crete Academy. This event will be filled with exciting health and wellness activities. Also providing families with food baskets, backpacks, school supplies, COVID testing and COVID vaccinations. Masks Required. Free, brotherhoodcrusade.org
Parenting for Liberation: A Guide to Raising Black Children
Celebrate this book’s one year birthday as we honor Juneteenth. Event includes a light brunch and a Q&A discussion with Cassandra Lane and book author Trina Greene Brown. Takes place on Saturday, June 19th at 11am PT at The Secret House of Ivy. An awesome opportunity to connect with Black parents & caregivers who are committed to liberation. Masks Required. $50.00, flipcause.com
Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration
Bring awareness to the history behind Juneteenth this Saturday at 9am PT in Loma Alta Park. This event will center around the “Empowering Black and African American Families” conversation series, which includes a freedom walk, a resource fair and panels discussing the health and wellness of black communities. There will also be live performances featuring JJ Fad and DJ Arabian Prince. Please RSVP to secure a special Juneteenth T-shirt and a spot in the Freedom Day walk. Free, Eventbrite.com
Juneteenth and Pride Story Creation Zones
Commemorate Juneteenth with a special edition of the Story Creation Zone with the incredible Black Story Pirates on June 18th at 4pm PT! Kids can suggest for the cast to perform a hilarious improv comedy show or read orginial stories and creations about this historical day. Join again on June 25th for the Pride Story Creation Zone that will feature a cast of talented LGBTQIA+ Story Pirates. The creativity never has to end in these fun, special events. Free, storypirates.com
All One Tribe Virtual Concert
Pay tribute to Juneteenth with this virtual concert that celebrates the release of a new album by 1 Tribe Collective. Its focus is to amplify Black voices in family music. Takes place on June 19th at 11am PT. The family-friendly event will include performances, music video features and interviews with artists. Perfect for all ages this summer and beyond. Album is currently available for pre-save on Spotify and Apple Music. Free, 1tribecollective.com
Healdsburg Jazz Festival Weekend
Healdsburg is a world-class culinary destination ripe with new summer experiences located in the beautiful Sonoma County. Visit this weekend, June 17 – 20, for the 23rd annual Jazz Festival. It will be the first Juneteenth Celebration sponsored by the Foley Family Charitable Foundation featuring artists including “The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol and her Trio,” “MJ’s Brass Boppers” and “Josh Jones Latin Jazz Ensemble.” Healdsburgjazz.org
Soundtrack for a Revolution
Join in on a special screening of a film about the deep connection and history between Black freedom movements and the music that is born from them. The showing takes place on Thursday, June 17th at 3:30pm PT. Grab your snacks and meet us to celebrate Juneteenth. Free, zoom.us
LA County Library: Juneteenth
Come out to the LA County Library this weekend to learn about the history of Juneteenth and celebrate its important legacy. Featuring a Smarty Pants Storytime on Friday, June 18th at 11am for 2 – 5-year-olds to celebrate with songs and rhymes. Continue the joy on Saturday, June 19th at 2pm as storyteller and educator, Binnie Tate Wilkin, engages in reflections of Juneteenth history. Please visit the website to register and for a full list of books to commemorate the day. lacountylibrary.org
Please visit the L.A. Parent Calendar for more information on these events.