As the historic nineteenth day of June swiftly approaches, it’s important to take note of why we honor and celebrate the day.
On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation by executive order, meaning all enslaved African Americans were now, under federal law, set free– or at least were supposed to be.
It actually wasn’t until two years later, on June 19, 1865, when the last remaining group of still-enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas finally received word of the Emancipation Proclamation and their freedom. From that day forward, slavery had officially ended– for everybody.
The first-ever Juneteenth celebration took place exactly one year later, on June 19, 1866. Black Americans sang, danced, rejoiced and embraced one another.
As the tradition continues this upcoming June 19, 2021, here are five celebrations in South Los Angeles that will be filled with Black culture, conversations, music, and overall fun while honoring the momentous, deeply-significant holiday, Juneteenth:
Leimert Park Art Walk
Leimert Park Village
Saturday, June 19
11AM – 9PM
The Boiler Room LA – South Market St., Inglewood
Friday, June 18
8PM – 2AM
Healing with Color Compton
Yoga session at Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC)
Saturday, June 19
11AM
Da Poetry Party
Hippo Factory Studios
Saturday, June 19
7PM
Freedom Hike
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
Saturday, June 19
9AM – 11AM
