Irvine Holds its First Juneteenth Celebration
Image credit/city of Irvine
Irvine is inviting the community to its inaugural Juneteenth Freedom Celebration. The free event will take place Sunday, June 19, 11 am–3 pm at the Great Park’s Palm Court. The celebration of freedom, hope, and joy honors the history and contributions of African Americans to the cultural fabric of our community and nation. The community is invited to learn about Black culture as well as the history and significance of Juneteenth through interactive activities, local organizations, and live performances.
The event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available on site. Food trucks will be available for visitors to purchase food.
Juneteenth dates back to June 19, 1865, and is the oldest known annual observance commemorating the abolishment of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth became a federal holiday last June. Irvine’s first annual Juneteenth celebration will serve as a symbol of pride in African American experiences and ancestral roots.
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration is presented by the City of Irvine in partnership with BIPOC Orange County.
Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday last year. This year the city is ready to celebrate.
What to expect at Irvine’s Juneteenth Celebration
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11:00 am DJ Mal-Ski & Event Host Kayla Thomas: Welcome & DJ Set
11:25 am Cedrice: Lift Every Voice and Sing (Black National Anthem)
11:30 am Douglas Haynes, Vice Chancellor of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and UCI Chief Diversity Officer: Juneteenth: History & Legacy
11:40 am Sekou Andrews: Spoken Word
12:05 pm Mayor Farrah Khan: Welcome Ceremony
12:25 pm iazY: Emerging Artist Spotlight
12:40 pm Cedrice: Live Musical Performance
1:00 pm Christ Our Redeemer AME Church & Ki Johnson: Live Musical Performance
1:30 pm David Daughtry: Gospel Choir Performance
1:55 pm African Soul: Dance &Drum
2:20 pm Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity: Step & Stroll Exhibition
2:30 pm DJ Mal-Ski & Event Host Kayla Thomas: Closing & DJ Set
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UCI Libraries Special Collections & Archives will host the following exhibition and activities in Hangar 244:
Zine Making for All
Art | Power | Community: A Black Panther Party 55th Anniversary Retrospective Multimedia Exhibit
UCI Libraries Special Collections & Archives
Oral History Booth
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Amour Propre
Awaken Woke
CDOBBS
Covered by Maryam
Curly Delight
HCraigArt.com
Heat Irvine
HERstory,Inc
Kailifornia, Inc.
Laura's Light HHC/Transportation
Melanin Moms OCMUMA
Reign In US
Rendezvous by EV
Seven29 Wellness
Simply Whipped Shea Butter
The Girl Cave LA Anaheim
The Jar of Sunshine Inc.
Wildfleur Blooms
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Breds Hot Chicken
Island to Table
Patty Hut
Lynda's African Delicacies
Made by Yup
Mikmeals
Dreamy Vegan
Scooters Italian Ice
Learn more about this event online.