A series of free events celebrating Juneteenth is set to start at several Los Angeles County Parks, including Valleydale Park in Azusa.
The family-friendly celebrations will have live entertainment, cultural activities, workshops, sports tournaments and programming honoring Black culture, freedom, resilience and community, according to organizers.
A signature event is scheduled for June 20 at 10 a.m. at Jackie Robinson Park in Sun Village.
On Thursday, June 18 at 4 p.m. Valleydale Park in Azusa, 5525 N. Lark Ellen Ave., is set to host an event.
Additional scheduled celebrations include June 25 at 4 p.m. in Sylmar at El Cariso Community Regional Park, 13100 Hubbard St., and June 27 at 11 a.m. at Don Knabe Park, 19700 Bloomfield Ave. in Cerritos.
Programming will include live music and other performances, workshops, food sold by local vendors, children’s and teen areas and additional community activities, according to event organizers.
“We’re proud to continue this important tradition of celebrating Juneteenth across LA County Parks,” Norma E. García-González, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, said in a statement. “Our parks bring people together, and these celebrations provide an opportunity to honor the history, culture and lasting contributions of Black communities while fostering connection, understanding and community pride.”
No registration is required for admittance to the free events, organizers said.
Juneteenth is a federal holiday the commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The celebration originated in Galveston, Texas, and has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the nation since 1865.
More information is online at parks.lacounty.gov/Juneteenth.
