By Francis Taylor
Juneteenth Street Festival Crowd (Francis Taylor photo)
On Sunday, June 18th, Market Street in Downtown Inglewood was packed on the occasion of the 9th Annual Taste of Inglewood Experience – the Juneteenth Street Festival. Presented with precision, the city staff again provided the citizens of Inglewood and their guests and visitors with a day to celebrate and a day to remember.
From a broad array of free musical entertainment to a wide variety of product and service providers, food vendors, professional sports representatives, and others, there was something for everyone.
The City of Inglewood’s Housing Protection Department had a booth with representatives to answer questions for property owners and renters. With new housing costs rising sharply as a result of the city’s recent economic development, the issue of evictions for renters is more important now than it has been in the past. Answers were provided that explained what is lawful and what is not.
Family eating together. (Taylor photo)
Another interesting exhibitor, among dozens of others, was the booth manned by Los Angeles Clippers’ staff members. They were on hand to answer questions related to the new facility under construction, ticket sales and employment opportunities. They were also giving away free Clippers’ memorabilia and collectible items.
Los Angeles Clippers Staff Taylor photo)
The festival had something for everyone; from health screening and beauty pavilions to an Historically Black College and University representative, specifically my Alma Mater, Hampton University; authentic African wood carvings; real estate advisors and financial planners, to name only a few, festival attendees had much to enjoy.
Csebija Jenkins Hampton University representative (Taylor photo)
And finally, as has become customary in all of the events sponsored by the City of Inglewood, the ambiance of the friendly crowd permeated throughout the event. There were smiles on the faces of the attendees as well as the exhibitors and there was not an unpleasant incident to note.
Inglewood VIPs (Taylor photo)
Well done Inglewood, well done indeed!
