Black Voices: News, Culture & Community from Across the Nation
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LOS ANGELES — The City Council celebrated Juneteenth a day early with a musical performance in chambers June 18 and by unveiling artwork that will be featured at events scheduled for the coming weekend.
Councilman Curren Price led the presentation. Five years ago, the councilman led efforts to establish Juneteenth as an official holiday in the city.
“On June 20, 2022, we made history,” Price said. “Los Angeles formally commemorated Juneteenth for the very first time. So, today, I’m standing here with a great deal of pride. It means everything to help bring the spirit of Juneteenth right here to chambers.”
The councilman noted that it was more than just marking a date on the calendar. It’s about “carrying forward a legacy, celebrating freedom and standing in the fight for justice and equality,” he added.
Faith White, who is a South Los Angeles native and Compton teacher, performed the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Price then highlighted Brandon Barry Brown, a L.A.-based multidisciplinary artist, who created artwork that will be showcased during some Juneteenth events. Price commissioned Brown to create an art piece that captured the “feelings of liberation and hope.”
Brown was unable to attend the presentation, but Price played a video the artist made to talk about his piece. Brown stated he was inspired by a certain scene from the film “Sinners” with actors Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan, as well as by Ernie Burns’ painting the “Sugar Shack.”
“I wanted to make like a modern day version of that painting in my own style, using a representation of our ancestors from the past, the present and future — and just people having a good time coming together,” Brown said in the video.
“The message that I hope people take away when they see my work is that I want them to feel happy. I want them to be awed. I want them to see themselves in the work,” he added.
Juneteenth marks the anniversary of Union Army Gen. Gordon Granger reading General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, which began, “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free,” referring to Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on Sept. 22, 1862, declaring all slaves free in Confederate territory.
Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.
The city of Los Angeles is scheduled to host events, starting June 20 in honor of Juneteenth.
Price’s office is expected to host a “Juneteenth Sock Hop Celebration and Community Art Tribute” in honor of Barry White, a musical icon and beloved South Park neighbor who helped preserve one of the city’s oldest parks.
The event will be held at the Barry White Gymnasium South Park Recreation Center, 345 E. 51st St., from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
On June 21, the city will host its third annual Juneteenth Block Party along Central Avenue between 23rd Street and Adams Boulevard. The party will run from noon to 5 p.m., with food trucks, vendors, a car show, live music and a kids zone, among other activities.
Price’s team will also host Community Experience in the Park” June 22. The event, billed as a Juneteenth Finale, will offer live performances, food trucks and refreshment stands, and a community resource fair at the South Park Recreation Center.
Leimert Park will hold its Juneteenth celebration June 19 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The celebration will include a women’s drum circle and libation ceremony, a performance by a 30-member jazz band, line dancing and DJ sets and a fashion show at 5 p.m.
The Empowerment Congress will hold its annual Juneteenth celebration from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 21 at the Beehive, 961 E. 61st St. The event will be emceed by KBLA’s Tavis Smiley, and headlined by civil rights attorney Maya Wiley.
Culver City will host its Juneteenth celebration from 1 to 4 p.m. June 21 at Ivy Station, 8840 National Blvd.
The event will include a performance of “Lift Every Voice,” live music, kids’ activities, market vendors, community activities and food from vendors.
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