Celebrating Juneteenth 2023

June 2023

First 5 LA is proud to celebrate Juneteenth, our nation’s federally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, recognized annually on June 19. Also known as “Jubilee” or “Freedom Day,” Juneteenth is a time for acknowledging that while the United State was founded on the promise of freedom and sovereignty for all when the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, it would take 89 years more before on June 19, 1865 that the entirety of the nation’s residents, regardless of race, were promised the freedoms articulated by the country’s founders. 

The origin of Juneteenth is centered in Galveston Bay, Texas, when 2,000 Union troops arrived in the confederate state and delivered the news that enslaved people of African descent had been declared free. While the historic event occurred two-and-a-half-years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, it wasn’t until Union armies were able to enforce the Proclamation that freedom for those enslaved in the last confederate state of Texas was officially realized. The first formal celebration of the event took place on June 19, which has since been recognized as a truer anniversary of African American freedom in the United States.

Five months later on  Dec. 6, 1865, the 13th Amendment – which formally abolished slavery in the U.S. – became law. Yet the repercussions of our nation’s long history of slavery and racism are still felt today, making Juneteenth a time for not only celebrating freedom from slavery, but also acknowledging the work that remains to uproot the persistent inequities that Black communities endure to this day. 

Addressing racial inequities with a core understanding of the historical and lasting impact of slavery on America’s Black communities is at the heart of ensuring that all children and families in L.A. County have every opportunity to thrive, and as such, is a critical part of First 5 LA’s work. This Juneteenth and throughout each year we lift-up important work still before us and this nation to end racial disparities and embrace equity for all. 

To support your child’s understanding of racial equity and Black history in America – and to take part in local Juneteenth celebrations – we gladly share below a list of educational resources and Juneteenth events happening across L.A. County.  

Local Events

• SoulfulofNoise Presents: Juneteenth Community Festival – Sat., June 17, 12–8 p.m., Amelia Mayberry Park, 13201 Meyer Rd., Whittier, CA 90605
• El Segundo Juneteenth Festival – Mon., June 19 · 12–6 p.m., El Segundo Parks & Recreation, 401 Sheldon St., El Segundo, CA 90245
• Malik Books: Freedom To Read and Write Juneteenth Celebration – Sat., June 17, 2 p.m., 6000 Sepulveda Blvd. #Suite 2470, Culver City, CA 90230
• Los Angeles Public Library: Juneteenth Freedom Quilts – Tues., June 13, 3 p.m. Alma Reaves Woods – Watts Branch Library
• Los Angeles Public Library: “On Juneteenth” Reading Circle – Sat., June 17, 12–1:30 p.m., Central Library
• Los Angeles Public Library: Juneteenth Storytime and Craft – Tues., June 20, 3 p.m., Mark Twain Branch Library
• Los Angeles Public Library: Juneteenth Celebration: Ice Cream in a Bag – Tues., June 20, 4:30–5:30 p.m, Junipero Serra Branch Library
• Pretend City Children’s Museum: Celebrate Juneteenth – Fri., June 17, Pretend City Children’s Museum 29 Hubble Irvine, CA 92618
• San Fernando Valley Juneteenth Community Celebration – Sat., June 18, 1-6 p.m., Pierce College, 6201 Winnetka Ave, Los Angeles, CA 91367
• The 2023 Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration – Sat., June 18, 10:30 a.m.–7 p.m., Rainbow Lagoon, 400 East Shoreline Dr., Long Beach, CA 90802
• Los Angeles County Parks Celebrate Juneteenth – Sat., June 18 & June 23, Various Locations and Times
• L.A. County Second District 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration & Resource Fair – Sun., June 18, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. [Volunteer opportunities also available here.]
• California African American Museum: Juneteenth Wellness Day – Sun., June 18, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., California African American Museum, 600 State Drive Los Angeles, CA 90037
• Juneteenth Father’s Day Celebration at MLK Park – Sun., June 18 · 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1950 Lemon Ave, Long Beach, CA 90806
• L.A. South Camber of Commerce: Juneteenth Commemoration – Sat., June 17 · 3–5 p.m., A C Bilbrew Library, 150 East El Segundo Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90061
• Open Arms Food Panry and Resource Center Charity: Juneteenth Community Festival Charitable Giveaway for LA County Residents – Sat., June 24 · 11 a.m.– 6 p.m., Leimert Park Plaza, 4395 Leimert Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008
• Aquarium of the Pacific: Juneteenth Celebration – Mon., June 19, 1–2 p.m., Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
• JUNETEENTH Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts Festival – Sun,, June 18, 3–7 p.m., Garry Marshall Theatre, 4252 West Riverside Drive Burbank, CA 91505
• Open Arms Food Panry and Resource Center Charity: Juneteenth Community and Family Social Support Festival – Sat., June 24, 11 a.m.–6 p.m., 4395 Leimert Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90008
• Leimert Park Juneteenth Block Party with Cadre – Mon., June 19, 10 a.m., Leimert Park Plaza, 4395 Leimert Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90008
• USTA Southern California: Juneteenth Celebration – Sat., June 17, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 700 Warren Ln, 700 Warren Lane, Inglewood, CA 90302

Educational Resources