March 19, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Juneteenth Celebration Saturday at Virginia Avenue Park

By Keldine Hull

On June 15, the City of Santa Monica, along with Virginia Avenue Park, will host the 27th annual Juneteenth Celebration. Also known nationally as Freedom Day, the event will take place at Virginia Avenue Park, located at 2200 Virginia Avenue in Santa Monica, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. According to Carla Fantozzi, Principal Supervisor at Virginia Avenue Park, “The theme for this year’s Juneteenth is UNITY FOR A PURPOSE honoring African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.  This year we also honor our Veterans, past and present!”

The City of Santa Monica, inspired by the efforts of longtime resident LaVerne Ross, has recognized Juneteenth since 1993. Officially observed on June 19, Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. While the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on September 22, 1862 and took effect on January 1, 1863, an estimated 250,000 enslaved people resided in Texas by 1865. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that the war had ended and the enslaved were now free.

Nearly all US states currently observe Juneteenth as either a state or ceremonial holiday. According to the official Juneteenth website, “Today, Juneteenth is enjoying a phenomenal growth rate within communities and organizations throughout the country. Institutions such as the Smithsonian, the Henry Ford Museum and others have begun sponsoring Juneteenth-centered activities. In recent years, a number of local and national Juneteenth organizations have arisen to take their place alongside older organizations – all with the mission to promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African American history and culture.”

Santa Monica’s Juneteenth celebration, emceed by Sean Hill, will included performances by Chazz Ross Drum Circle, Emery Beckles & Soul, Aaron Nigel Smith in collaboration with The Broad Stage, Phyllis Battle, Bloco Obini Drum Ensemble, J. Boykin, and the Phillips Chapel Gospel Singers. City of Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis will present a proclamation in honor of Juneteenth to LaVerne Ross. There will be over a dozen different vendors and food trucks, activities for kids at Kids’ Korner, and a celebration for fathers in the King’s Court. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend.

Related Posts

Woman Drives Car In Ocean After High Speed Police Chase

March 18, 2024

March 18, 2024

Law enforcement officers pursued her along the I-110 and I-405 until she reached the vicinity of Venice Beach A woman...

Santa Monica Authorities Seek Public’s Help After Sexual Assault Incident

March 17, 2024

March 17, 2024

SMPD Urges Anyone With Information to Come Forward Authorities in Santa Monica are seeking information from the public after a...

FBI Seeks Victims of Alleged Online Exploitation Scheme Allegedly Run by Resident of Santa Monica

March 17, 2024

March 17, 2024

Individuals Urged to Come Forward in Investigation of John Douglas Burch The FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office is urging individuals to...

(Video) Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD Responds to News of Nex Benedict’s Cause of Death

March 15, 2024

March 15, 2024

Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD, responds to the release of the Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Ruling on Nex...

Venice Family Clinic Announces Inaugural HEART Gala to Celebrate Health and Art

March 15, 2024

March 15, 2024

Event Honors Creative Community and Supporters of Vital Health Care Services Venice Family Clinic, a non-profit community health center dedicated...

“Love Lies Bleeding” is Ripped: Actress Katy O’Brian Talks Love, Sex, and Vulnerability

March 15, 2024

March 15, 2024

Katy O’Brian is a Breakout Star Who Shines in Loving and Hilariously Violent Crime Film English film director Rose Glass’...

Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier Sold to SC Holdings, $10M Investment Planned

March 14, 2024

March 14, 2024

The Cultural Institution Set for Exciting Upgrades Santa Monica Amusements LLC (SMA), the operating group of Pacific Park on the...

Woman Returns $1K Worth of Stolen Items After Store Finds Her Social Media Account

March 14, 2024

March 14, 2024

For the Owner, the Incident Is Perhaps Indicative of an Environment at the Palisades Village Where Smaller Businesses Are More...

LAPD Identify Suspect Who Struck 6-Year-Old Girl Last Weekend

March 14, 2024

March 14, 2024

An Arrest Was Made Following “Another Incident” in Venice By Zach Armstrong  The Los Angeles Police have identified Ahsante Lamar...

SMC to Host Free Screening of West Coast Hip Hop Documentary

March 14, 2024

March 14, 2024

Free Presentation Includes Audience Q&A with Hip Hop Icons Santa Monica College (SMC) is set to host a complimentary screening...

IRS Launches Direct File Pilot of Free Filing Tool for Taxpayers in California, 11 Other States

March 14, 2024

March 14, 2024

Free, Convenient Online Tax Filing Option Now Available for Eligible Individuals The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced the official launch...

SMPD Arrests Man Who Allegedly Attacked Girlfriend, Brandished Replica Firearm at Her Daughter

March 13, 2024

March 13, 2024

The Man Faces Charges of Felony Domestic Violence and Misdemeanor Child Abuse A suspect is in custody after a domestic...

A New Civil Lawsuit Against Roman Polanski Has Moved Forward to Trial

March 12, 2024

March 12, 2024

Director Faces Allegations From 1973, Santa Monica Judge Sets Date A trial date of August 4, 2025, has been set...

AFM Heads to Las Vegas: Independent Film Market’s Big Move to Palms Casino Resort for 45th Edition

March 12, 2024

March 12, 2024

International Film and Television Alliance Announces AFM Will Leave Santa Monica The American Film Market® (AFM®) is set to move...

Suspect Strikes 6-Year-Old Girl in Santa Monica, Investigation Underway

March 12, 2024

March 12, 2024

Detectives Are Actively Locating/Obtaining Surveillance Footage By Zach Armstrong An assault investigation is underway after a man reportedly struck a...