The Juneteenth Celebration this Saturday, June 16, will consist of a day of entertainment, food, vendors, and activities for adults and youth to celebrate the news of the Emancipation Proclamation among slaves in Texas in June 1865.
Juanita Jennings of Tyler Perry’s sitcom “Meet the Browns” will host the event that runs from noon to 5 p.m., and former Miss Ohio and sports broadcaster Jayne Kennedy will give the keynote speech.
Performers at this lively event include Grammy-nominee Ray Brooks and the Blues Masters Band, the Blue Breeze Band, Samba Samba Dance, the Lava Bai Drum Circle, and more.
There will be entertainment for kids in the Children’s Zone with crafts, face painting and games.
Guests can enjoy the cultural arts market place, Texas-style BBQ and other favorite foods.
This year’s festival is in honor of Thelma Terry, a leader that dedicated her life to the development of youth in Santa Monica.
Virginia Avenue Park is located at 2200 Virginia Ave. in Santa Monica.
