LANCASTER – The city of Lancaster and community partners are hosting the second annual Lancaster Juneteenth Celebration this Sunday.
Themed “The Community’s Family Reunion,” the free event is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 18, at the Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park, located at 43063 10th Street West in Lancaster.
The event is aimed at bringing local businesses, organizations, and community members together to celebrate freedom, spread hope, and nurture unity throughout the Antelope Valley, organizers said in a news release.
“Our upcoming Juneteenth celebration is a joyous occasion to embrace the power of unity and solidarity, celebrate freedom, and strengthen our dedication to justice and equity for all Lancaster residents,” said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “We’re committed to building a community that is welcoming to diversity, education, and connection. All of those attributes have shaped this event.”
This family reunion-style event will include a morning worship service, educational programming on the history of Juneteenth, food, music, entertainment, dancing, games, a car and bike show, and more, according to a news release. Attendees are encouraged to wear matching family t-shirts and bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865 — the date that enslaved people in the last Confederate state learned of their freedom. That day in Galveston, Texas, followed by the passage of the 13th Amendment, officially marked the end of slavery in the United States. Following the emancipation of enslaved people, Black Americans reconnected with family through reunions. These gatherings, which inspired the theme for this Lancaster’s 2023 Juneteenth celebration, have continued to unite communities, foster fellowship, spread knowledge, and celebrate one’s heritage.
To learn more about Lancaster’s Juneteenth celebration, visit: www.cityoflancasterca.gov/Juneteenth.
[Information via news release from the city of Lancaster.]
–
Kiki says
No one care of Juneteenth why celebrate it
Carlos Ledesma says
This should be a real treat for liberals. They celebrate diversity!
John says
“We’re committed to building a community that is welcoming to diversity, education, and connection.”
So far the City of Lancaster has only created a crime ridden ghetto.
Sgt. Steve Owen was murdered by one of Lancaster’s animals. :(
Brittany says
This world has unfortunately been divided by hatred and racism..and I can see it still is …I will definitely be there in celebration for Juneteenth..like I celebrate other holidays..We are all the same ..one flesh …one blood…this world is coming to an end soon..aliens are invading..and new worlds are being formed as I speak… This Inhumanely Humanity is the reason.. You better get right with your maker first..if not with yourself ..it’s not too late ..or is it?
Dustin Draper says
Community service every year on black holidays would be a serviceable resort of fulfillment then racist holey moley @Joleś
Jules says
I’m sorry I have no idea what Juneteenth stands for nor will I celebrate it, I’ll stick to the good ol’ 4th of July!
Tim Scott says
It is the anniversary of the day a victorious Union general as governor of occupied Texas declared that the emancipation proclamation would be enforced in Texas, closing out the civil war. Most conservatives don’t celebrate it since they consider slavery a major feature of ‘the good old days.’
Frank Rizzo says
I will be out celebrating with my black brothers and sisters. People call me racist because I’m a conservative, it like to MAGA hard at the rallies.
AS says
If you don’t know about Juneteenth then you should spend the holiday researching what it is and what it means
Lisa says
The comment ANOUNCEMENT was unnecessary, just don’t come.
ACE says
LIKE KWANZAA…
***
EP says
Not really, Ace. Juneteenth dates back to the 1800s and centers around a specific event. Kwanzaa is more of a cultural celebration that was created in the 1960s. You are free to celebrate, ignore or whatever. Isn’t America a great country?