Efia Taylor, left, takes a photo of her daughter Maya, 10, during the Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at the Great Park Palm Court in Irvine on Sunday, June 19, 2022. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to the last enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It marked the formal end of slavery after the Civil War.
Black Americans have celebrated Juneteenth for generations, but it became more widely recognized after the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in 2020, which sparked a nationwide racial reckoning. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, with the signing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act by President Joe Biden, and has since become a day to celebrate freedom, hope and African American pride.
Here are some local Juneteenth events and celebrations around Orange County.
Santa Ana: Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 17, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Centennial Regional Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave. Free community festival put on by the Orange County Heritage Council and the city of Santa Ana with a resource fair, car show, kids’ activities, live performances from Talib Kweli and more. Information: oc-hc.org, 714-579-9966
Santa Ana: Church of the Messiah Juneteenth Freedom Day celebration on Sunday, June 18, after the 8 a.m. bilingual service, 614 N Bush St. Information: www.messiah-santaana.org
Santa Ana Public Library: Movie screening of “Miss Juneteenth” at the Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St., on Monday, June 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. Light snacks will be provided while supplies last. Arrive early for best seating.
Fountain Valley: The Thurgood Marshall Bar Association Foundation’s fifth annual Juneteenth Celebration and Scholarship Brunch on Saturday, June 17, at Timeless Venues, 17272 Newhope St., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn about Juneteenth history with live music and an open mic. Guests can purchase a table at $30 for students, $50 for judges/government workers, and $75 for the general public. Email [email protected].
Irvine: Juneteenth Freedom Celebration on Sunday, June 18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Irvine Great Park Palm Court Complex, 8000 Great Park Blvd. The second annual free celebration will feature live entertainment, cultural storytelling, a BIPOC marketplace, food and more; presented by BIPOC Orange County and the city of Irvine. Information: irvinejuneteenth.com
Anaheim: Juneteenth Meet-Up at Disneyland. Join Instagram creator Brann @bpoetic for a special themed meet-up at 1 p.m. near the Main Street Train Station at Disneyland. Participants and allies are encouraged to dress in vibrant African attire, or wear all black. The event is not affiliated or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Information: instagram.com/p/CsCKk-DPEtt/
Irvine: Juneteenth Exploration and Storytime at Pretend City Children’s Museum on Tuesday, June 20, all day. Kids can learn about the meaning of Juneteenth, paint their own flag with Juneteenth colors, and other activities. There will be a storytime of “All Are Welcome” by Alexandra Penfold at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Address is 29 Hubble in Irvine. Information: pretendcity.org
Laguna Beach: Juneteenth Jubilee, on June 19, 21 and 24 at the Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center, 235 Forest Ave. The arts center and Neighborhood Congregational Church will co-host a celebration of Black history and culture at both venues. There will be film screenings and panel discussions; live music with Brother Yusef; poetry and storytelling with Dorothy Randall Gray, and a special Tibetan dinner and concert from vocal group Vision on June 24 at Neighborhood Congregational. Tickets/information: lbculturalartscenter.org