Let Freedom Ring at Irvine’s Juneteenth Events
Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory, or an acceptance of the way things are. It is a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible – and there is still so much work to do. – President Barrack Obama
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color OC (BIPOC OC) is hosting a Juneteenth event at Palm Court in the Great Park on June 20th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a vibrant community commemoration honoring the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, widely regarded as America’s second Independence Day. The event includes live music, dancing, food, children’s play area, a wellness lounge, and a marketplace.
This free event is looking for volunteers. For those willing to help or seek community service volunteer hours, please contact [email protected].
Separately, Irvine’s Barclay Theatre is hosting a Juneteenth related benefits concert by Gospel Voices of OC, featuring high energy and spirited choir, dance, orchestra, theater and spoken word performances that brings history to life through music. This one-night event comes to life on June 27 at 7PM. Tickets may be purchases here.
Juneteenth became a Federal Holiday as recently as 2021. Just as much as Fourth of July, this holiday honors the birth of American democracy for a large segment of American society. Juneteenth takes on special meaning this year. In the face of racial gerrymandering and the Supreme Court recently undermining the Voting Rights Act, there is still much work to do. Juneteenth is a celebration of progress but also a reminder to keep pushing for equality and justice for all. For more information about Irvine’s Juneteenth, visit here.
Additional Reading: The seminal speech of abolitionist, Frederick Douglass: “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July.
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