Juneteenth Celebration at Virginia Park Celebrates Emancipation

By Lookout Staff

June 17, 2011 – On June 18, 1865, Union forces arrived in Galveston, Texas where General Gordon Granger announced the emancipation of slaves to the local population.

Since then, Juneteenth, as the historic event came to be called, has become a national celebration and an official state observance in 39 states including California.

Santa Monican's can celebrate the holiday Saturday at the city's 19th Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Virginia Park.

Keeping with tradition, live music and southern style food will be plentiful and a party atmosphere will mark the remembrance of the joyful occasion.

Shiela Raye Charles, Ray Brooks and the Blues Masters, Kehinde Otis Johnson’s Stilt Walker Troupe, Samba Samba Dance and the Marching Thunder Drum Line will get feet tapping and those who long to create their own sounds will get to sit in with the Lava Bai Drum Circle.

The play “Sankofa” will take its audience back to the days of slavery and the origins and meaning of Juneteenth.

This year, a panel of scholars will share their knowledge with the crowd as they talk about the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution and what they mean, then and now.

And there will be plenty of DIY entertainment at crafts tables, including face painting and an interactive building project with Rosie's Girls.

Texas-style BBQ lovers will have plenty to keep them happy, as will classic car enthusiasts who can take in a display of antique automobiles.

To find more information, go online at www.smgov.net/vapark , or call (310) 458-8688. This annual event is sponsored by the Juneteenth Celebration Committee, Inc. and the City of Santa Monica.