HAPPY EMANCIPATION DAY!

Juneteenth also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. State of Texas in 1865 . Celebrated on June 19, the term is a blend of June and nineteenth, and is recognized as a state holiday in 31 of the United States.

“On June 19 (”Juneteenth”), 1865, Union general Gordon Granger read the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, thus belatedly bringing about the freeing of 250,000 slaves in Texas. The tidings of freedom reached slaves gradually as individual plantation owners read the proclamation to their bondsmen over the months following the end of the war. The news elicited an array of personal celebrations, some of which have been described in The Slave Narratives of Texas (1974). The first broader celebrations of Juneteenth were used as political rallies and to teach freed African Americans about their voting rights. Within a short time, however, Juneteenth was marked by festivities throughout the state, some of which were organized by official Juneteenth committees.”

Here is a list of a few celebrations taking place in Los Angeles:

The Sixth Annual Juneteenth National Freedom Day celebration will be held June 19, 10 a.m. to dusk, in Leimert Park, Vernon Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard, Los Angeles. This event is free to the public and there will be live gospel, jazz, blues, barbecue, red soda and watermelon. Information: (323) 627-5946.

STORYTELLING — The community is invited to celebrate Juneteenth with Binnie Tate Wilkin, educator, author and storyteller, who will present stories, songs and dance to commemorate Juneteenth. The event will take place June 19, 2 p.m., at the A.C. Bilbrew Library, 150 E. El Segundo Blvd., Los Angeles. This event is free and refreshments will be available. Information: (310) 538-3350, www.colapublib.org/.

JAZZ FESTIVAL — The 20th Annual Pomona Valley Family Juneteenth Jazz Festival will be held June 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Ganesha Park, 1575 N. White Ave., Pomona. Marcus Coleman, Wayne Linsey, Sekou Bunch, Da’ Breeze and others will perform. There will be a Juneteenth Marketplace for food, art, gifts, clothing, community outreach information and more. Information: (909) 621-9707, www.juneteenthamerica.us/festival.html.