Juneteenth: Honoring Freedom, History, and the Ongoing Journey Toward Justice
- Citizens Coalition Admin
- May 30
- 5 min read
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, or Juneteenth Independence Day, is a U.S. federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It is observed annually on June 19th.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth marks the day — June 19, 1865 — when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced General Order No. 3, declaring that all enslaved people in Texas were free. This came over two years after President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.
Texas was one of the most remote slave-holding states, and enforcement of the proclamation had been slow and inconsistent. Juneteenth symbolizes the final enforcement of emancipation and is a powerful reminder of delayed justice and freedom.
Juneteenth became a federal holiday in the United States on June 17, 2021.
How is Juneteenth Celebrated?
Juneteenth celebrations vary by community, but they often center around themes of freedom, resilience, culture, and joy. Common traditions include:
1. Community Gatherings and Festivals
Parades and marches
Speeches from civic leaders, historians, and elders
Live music (especially jazz, blues, and gospel)
Cultural performances, including African dance and drumming
2. Barbecues and Traditional Foods
Red foods and drinks (symbolizing resilience and sacrifice): red velvet cake, red punch, strawberry soda
Soul food staples like ribs, collard greens, cornbread, and sweet potato pie
3. Education and Reflection
Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation
Storytelling, museum visits, or exhibits focused on Black history and heritage
Public forums and educational events about systemic racism and civil rights
4. Church Services and Spiritual Gatherings
"Prayer breakfasts" or interfaith services
Reflections on faith, freedom, and justice
5. Family and Community Fun
Picnics and block parties
Reunions and games for children
Art displays and community mural painting
Why Juneteenth Matters
Juneteenth is more than a celebration — it’s a time of remembrance, recognition, and renewed commitment to justice and equality. It serves as a powerful occasion to:
Honor the struggles and achievements of African Americans
Reflect on the legacy of slavery and ongoing racial injustice
Celebrate Black culture, excellence, and resilience
The City of Compton celebrates Juneteenth with a variety of vibrant events that honor African American history, culture, and the ongoing journey toward justice. These celebrations are community-driven and reflect the city's deep commitment to unity, empowerment, and cultural pride.
🎉 Juneteenth 2025 Highlights in Compton
1. Compton College Festival (June 19, 2025)
In partnership with URBT and Mayor Emma Sharif, Compton College will host a major Juneteenth celebration from 12 PM to 7 PM.
The event will feature live music, cultural performances, and community engagement activities under the theme “Freedom. Culture. Unity. Celebration.”
2. 5th Annual Juneteenth Festival at Sr. Cliff’s Texas Style Burritos (June 21, 2025)
This beloved local tradition, sponsored by Sr. Cliff’s Texas Style Burritos, will run from 11 AM to 6 PM.
Attendees can enjoy performances by R&B, jazz, spoken word, and spiritual artists, including headliner Phazze One.
The event aims to promote peace, unity, and hope within the community.
3. Expungement and Resource Fair (June 21, 2024)
Reflecting the spirit of liberation, the City of Compton and the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office hosted an event at the Dollarhide Community Center offering expungement services, mental health resources, and job opportunities. This initiative provided residents with tools to overcome systemic barriers and build brighter futures.
Last year's press release on the topic:
Los https://lacounty.gov/2024/06/21/los-angeles-county-public-defender-partners-with-city-of-compton-mayor-emma-sharif-to-host-juneteenth-freedom-day-expungement-event/
4. Tucker Park Celebration (June 22, 2024)
A family-friendly Juneteenth event took place at Tucker Park, featuring music, food, and community activities. The celebration was supported by local organizations and city officials, emphasizing community solidarity and cultural appreciation.
These events showcase Compton's dedication to honoring Juneteenth through cultural expression, community service, and historical reflection. The city's celebrations provide opportunities for residents to come together, celebrate their heritage, and continue the pursuit of equality and justice.
The Juneteenth Festival
The nationally renowned Los Angeles AACMSO & Oscar Award winning Conductor, Vince Womack will celebrate Juneteenth featuring Lady Gwen Williams Brown, Lyric Spinto Soprano performing “Five Freedom Songs” & Jordan Busa, Violinist Extraordinaire, performing “Fantasy in G” (The Gospel Train Concerto). Jordan has performed for First Lady Michelle Obama, on Grey’s Anatomy and with many luminaries. Lady Gwen Brown toured China with Jester Hairston and performed with the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Dwight Tribble, a sensational jazz vocalist, will also join the celebration in singing the Civil Rights Anthem, “We Shall Overcome”.
The event features symphonic works reflecting the Emancipation Proclamation’s origin story based on Negro Spirituals and folk songs of hope, strength and resilience by Walker, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Tillis with an introduction by Dr. Dawn Norfleet, leading scholar and Ethnomusicologist.
Ticket prices: $15 Students/$25 General
Date/Time: Sunday, June 8, 2025; 3pm
Organized by: Afro-American Chamber Music Society Orchestra
Venue: Fifty-Fourth Street Seventh-day Adventist Church
Address: 1973 W. 54th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90062
Contact: Professor White, aacmsorchestra@gmail.com 310-431-6776
Click here for tickets: aacmsorchestra.org
Free Parking
🎉 Attend and Support Local Juneteenth Events
Getting involved in Compton's Juneteenth celebrations is a meaningful way to honor African American heritage, support community initiatives, and contribute to the spirit of unity and progress. Here are several ways you can participate:
Compton College Juneteenth Festival (June 19, 2025)
Join the celebration from 12 PM to 7 PM at Compton College, featuring live music, cultural performances, and community engagement activities under the theme “Freedom. Culture. Unity. Celebration.”
5th Annual Juneteenth Festival at Sr. Cliff’s Texas Style Burritos (June 21, 2025)
Enjoy performances by R&B, jazz, spoken word, and spiritual artists, including headliner Phazze One, from 11 AM to 6 PM. This event promotes peace, unity, and hope within the community.
Juneteenth Celebration & Resource Fair at Roy Campanella Park (June 14, 2025)
Participate in this free, family-friendly event from 12 PM to 4 PM, offering onsite County services, community resources, engaging activities, and more. Registration is required for certain services. southwestnc.org
🙌 Volunteer Opportunities
Compton Initiative
Join the movement to #CleanAndBeautify Compton by volunteering for city restoration projects, including painting homes, schools, and conducting neighborhood clean-ups. The next Clean-Up Day is on July 19, 2025.
https://justdogood.org/tci-signup/
Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration (June 14, 2025)
Volunteer at this event held at Rainbow Lagoon Park from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM, featuring music, food, art, and cultural activities. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available. Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration
🧑🤝🧑 Join Community Groups
Community Action Partnership (CAP) Groups
Engage with local CAP groups in Compton, Florence-Firestone, Westmont-West Athens, or Willowbrook by attending monthly meetings and participating in community initiatives. Instagram
📣 Spread the Word and Support
Promote Events
Share information about Juneteenth events on social media, community boards, and with friends and family to increase awareness and participation.
Support Local Businesses
Patronize local vendors and businesses participating in Juneteenth events to support the community's economic growth.
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