June 19, 1865, was the day the federal government arrived in Galveston, Texas, to declare that all enslaved people must be freed, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation took effect.
Though effective two years earlier, the proclamation couldn’t be implemented until the Civil War ended and Confederate states surrendered.
As a result, enslaved people in Texas were the last ones in the Confederacy to find out they were now free people. The date, now known as Juneteenth, has become a day to celebrate Black history, culture and unity.
Black Americans have celebrated the holiday for decades, but in 2021, the federal government finally recognized it as a federal holiday.
Nationwide, Black Americans will mark the holiday with cookouts, block parties, music festivals and other fun activities.
For Californians, here are some events you can attend for those who want to celebrate the holiday.
Manhattan Beach’s Juneteenth Celebration and Concert
- The Juneteenth Celebration and Concert will be held at Polliwog Park on June 22 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. This family-friendly celebration will have live music, food, vendors and more. Attendees can register for the event online.
Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach
- The aquarium will present its annual Juneteenth celebration from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesday. The event, where guests can learn the holiday’s history, is included with a general admission ticket
Hollywood Bowl
- Rapper-turned-singer T-Pain and special guests will celebrate Black music, creativity and freedom during a Juneteenth musical celebration. The concert kicks off at 8 p.m. on Wednesday night. Tickets can be purchased online.
The Kia Forum
- Kendrick Lamar will perform live at the Kia Forum in Inglewood to celebrate the holiday. If you weren’t lucky enough to get tickets to the event, the concert will be live-streamed on Amazon Prime Video.
Leimert Park
- While the annual Juneteenth event at Leimert Park was postponed until 2025 due to “unforeseen circumstances,” various vendors will remain at the event space until 8 p.m.
The Academy Museum
- The Academy Museum will be hosting a screening of “Bless Their Little Hearts” by Billy Woodberry at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for kids.
More information about Juneteenth events can be found here.