Los Angeles Celebrates Juneteenth with Vibrant Events

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Community members gathered in Leimert Park for Juneteenth celebrations, showcasing Black culture and heritage.

News Summary

Los Angeles is preparing for an important celebration of Juneteenth, marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. With events centered in Leimert Park, residents are encouraged to partake in a variety of cultural and educational activities from June 18 to June 22. Highlights include Bri Giger’s Prideteenth Show, the Leimert Park Village Juneteenth Celebration, and various community-oriented festivities promoting Black heritage and reflection within the community.

Los Angeles is gearing up to celebrate Juneteenth, an important holiday marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, with a series of vibrant events scheduled for June 19 and the days surrounding it. This year will be especially significant as Juneteenth became a federal holiday after being recognized by President Joe Biden on June 17, 2021.

The heart of Los Angeles’ Juneteenth celebrations lies in Leimert Park, which has a long history of honoring this day, dating back to 1949. Organizers are encouraging community participation through various cultural and educational events aimed at celebrating Black heritage and history.

On June 18, one of the highlighted events is Bri Giger’s Prideteenth Show at The Elysian beginning at 7:30 p.m. This show promotes an inclusive atmosphere with an all-queer, all-POC variety lineup.

June 19, the actual commemoration day, will feature multiple events appealing to diverse interests:

Black Folk Juneteenth Freedom Day Ride from Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza to Leimert Park, running from 8 a.m. to noon. Participation is free but requires registration.
The Leimert Park Village Juneteenth Celebration, lasting from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., offers free admission and a range of performances and activities.
The Altadena Historical Society Juneteenth Celebration and Luncheon will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m., featuring awards and a photo exhibition. The cost for this event is between $30 and $35.
The Museum of African American Art will be open from noon to 3 p.m., offering free admission and free tote bags for visitors.
A Gallery Conversation: Costuming Black History event with Sharen Davis at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free with a general entry ticket.
The Repossessions and Reparations event at the California African American Museum will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., featuring exhibitions and discussions. Registration is required.
The UCB Juneteenth Improv Extravaganza will take place at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre at 8:30 p.m., with tickets priced between $11.96 and $17.94.
Finally, at 8:35 p.m., the Rooftop Cinema’s Celebrating Black Cinema Series will screen films like “Love Jones” and “Love & Basketball,” with ticket prices starting at $23.

Following the June 19 events, additional celebrations are planned:

KCRW Summer Nights @ CAAM on June 20 will transform into an evening dance party, accompanied by food and crafts, with free admission.
The City of West Hollywood Juneteenth Celebration on June 21 will feature performances and Black-owned vendors from noon to 4 p.m., all without an entry fee.
The Culver City Juneteenth Celebration will follow on June 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., promising music, food, and activities for children, also free of charge.
The South LA Juneteenth Team Tennis Tournament and Beginners’ Clinic is set for June 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with fees starting at $17.85.

The Los Angeles City Council has recognized Juneteenth through a formal presentation that emphasized the holiday’s historical significance and outlined celebrations across the city, reinforcing community-centered initiatives, scholarships, and artistic contributions.

While Juneteenth celebrations in Los Angeles are set to be robust, recent reports note that some areas nationwide have faced budget constraints, resulting in reduced funding for planned festivities. This includes scaled-back events in cities like Denver and West Virginia.

The array of events in Southern California not only commemorates the history of Juneteenth but also aims to promote unity and reflection within the community, showcasing the importance of remembering and celebrating African American history.