Journey to Juneteenth: An Elevated Conversation

Observed on June 19, Juneteenth National Independence Day is a historic holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

The holiday, also referred to as Freedom Day and/or Emancipation Day, dates back to June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned that they were free. Although the Emancipation Proclamation declared that as of January 1, 1863, all enslaved African Americans in rebellious southern states were free, it took more than two years for the news to spread to Texas. The holiday commemorating that day is now known as Juneteenth. 

Throughout the years, Juneteenth has been celebrated by families and communities over dinner, in parades and during festivals. As part of our celebration this year, we’re connecting you to a special conversation with Dr. Thanayi Cross Jackson of California Polytechnic State University. 

AARP California Event, Journey to Juneteenth: An Elevated Conversation

Join us on Friday, June 17 at 12 pm for Journey to Juneteenth: An Elevated Conversation to explore the evolution of Freedom Day, learnings from 2021, the importance of civic and social participation and the difference between Juneteenth and other national holidays. We’ll conclude the event with a panel discussion between Dr. Thanayi Jackson, the USC Center for Inclusive Democracy and the African American Community Services Agency. Reserve your spot today! Click HERE to register.

Statewide Juneteenth Activities

If you’re interested in other Juneteenth events taking place in your community, check out the list below! Please note, AARP is not a sponsor or partner of the events listed below. Provided links below will take you to a third-party website not managed by AARP. Any information you provide to the host organization will be governed by its privacy policy.

San Jose

African American Community Service Agency
AACSA’s Juneteenth In the Streets Festival
Saturday, June 18 at 12 pm
https://www.sjaacsa.org/juneteenth/home

Sacramento

Sacramento Juneteenth Inc.
Friday, June 17 at 6 pm and Saturday June 18 at 11 am
https://sacramentojuneteenthinc.org/

Los Angeles

LA Black History Month Festival in Westchester Park
A Summer Celebration of Culture
Sunday, June 19 at 10 am

LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell
2^nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration and Resource Fair
Friday, June 17 at 12 pm
https://mitchell.lacounty.gov/juneteenth/

City of Long Beach
Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 18 at 10:30 am
https://www.lbjuneteenth.com/

San Diego

North San Diego County NAACP Juneteenth
Saturday, June 18 at 10 am
https://www.nsdcnaacp.org/juneteenth

Juneteenth Weekend hosted by Black Everywhere
Friday, June 17 – Sunday, June 19 at 6 pm
https://www.blackeverywhere.com/event-details/juneteenth-weekend-in-san-diego-san-diego-ca

La Mesa Juneteenth and Friends 2022 Celebration
Sunday, June 19 at 12 pm
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/la-mesa-juneteenth-and-friends-2022-celebration-tickets-295342907587