|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Los Angeles Public Library invites the entire city to come together for the third annual June Jubilee: A Celebration of Black Excellence, a vibrant, family-friendly celebration honoring the legacy of Juneteenth and the rich cultural contributions of Black Angelenos and African Americans nationwide.
Hosted at the iconic Central Library in downtown Los Angeles, this free, day-long event will take place on Saturday, June 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and will feature live performances, hands-on activities, art, workshops, and meaningful moments of reflection.
“June Jubilee is more than a celebration—it’s a powerful expression of pride, history, and community,” said Valerie Lynne Shaw, President of the Board of Library Commissioners. “By participating, we collectively honor the spirit of Juneteenth while deepening our shared understanding.”
Curated by Changing Tones, one of the Library’s racial equity and inclusion groups, June Jubilee offers a space for all communities to explore and uplift Black heritage, achievements, and culture through the lens of history, arts, and collective healing. “We’re proud to present a celebration that honors our ancestors and amplifies the legacy of Black creators, thinkers, and trailblazers,” said Jené D. Brown, Racial Equity Officer and Director of Emerging Technologies and Collections. “This is an open invitation for every cultural community across L.A. to come learn, connect, and celebrate.”
Highlights of the day include an African Water Libation Ceremony featuring vibrant drumming, energetic dancers, and a powerful original poem written especially for the event by former L.A. Poet Laureate Lynne Thompson. Attendees can also experience the Black Barbie Experience, which includes a screening of the acclaimed Netflix documentary Black Barbie followed by a panel discussion exploring the creation of the first Black Barbie and the groundbreaking contributions of the Black women at Mattel who brought her to life.
The Story Quilts on Display will offer a visually stunning tapestry of African American history, with each quilt telling a unique, heartfelt story stitched with care and intention. Families are invited to join in on arts and crafts activities and an interactive scavenger hunt, both designed to educate and engage visitors of all ages as they explore the Central Library. Throughout the day, guests can enjoy live performances from local artists including Voices of Creation, along with urban line dancing, beat lab music sessions, and a full lineup of workshops on health, wellness, genealogy, home buying, and financial literacy. There will also be healthy cooking demonstrations, PBS documentary screenings, and more— all celebrating the vibrancy and excellence of the Black community. “This event is a heartfelt tribute to leaders like Tom Bradley and visionaries like Octavia E. Butler,” said Kren Malone, Director of Central Library. “We’re excited to welcome all Angelenos to this joyful, educational, and culturally enriching Juneteenth celebration.”
Whether you come to celebrate, learn, reflect, or simply connect, June Jubilee is a heartfelt invitation to honor the past, embrace the present, and envision a future rooted in unity, pride, and Black excellence. Join us at Central Library for a day of culture, creativity, and community— you won’t want to miss it.
