SANTA MONICA—The city of Santa Monica will host the 26th Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 16 at Virginia Avenue Park. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
According to a press release from the city of Santa Monica, the event celebrates justice and liberty in “commemoration of the announcement of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans who lived in the former Confederacy – two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.”
Bigg PWee of KJLH Radio will take on duties as master of ceremonies at the main stage. Performances will take place Chazz Ross Drum Circle, reggae by Island Rhythm Production, the celebrated Gerald Rivers performing one of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous speeches, the Tatiana Zamir Dance Troupe, soul and R&B by the Cal Bennett Ensemble, and joyful blues by artist The Reverend Shawn Amos, presented in partnership with The Broad Stage.
Activities include crafts, face painting, and games for children will be available at the Kids’ Korner. A King’s Court celebrating dads will feature ping-pong, chess, and other games.
The festival includes a cultural arts marketplace and food trucks: Peaches’ Smokehouse, Wings ‘N Waffles, and Kona Ice.
Find more details about this free community event, visit smgov.net/vapark or contact (310) 458-8688. Individuals can also RSVP on Facebook.
