Juneteenth is technically one day but the community doesn’t let a date on the calendar stop it from celebrating throughout June.
Earlier this month, Beale Memorial Library hosted a presentation on the history of Black newspapers in Bakersfield.
This week, both Cal State Bakersfield and Bakersfield College held events celebrating the holiday and offering insight for the next generation.
Juneteenth marks the day (June 19) in 1865, 2½ years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, in which Union soldiers landing at Galveston, Texas, brought the news that the Civil War had ended and all slaves were free.
Celebrations have been held since 1866 for the day that became a federal holiday in 2021.
Locally, festivities continue this weekend with events on Friday and Saturday.
Revelers will gather Friday at Valley Plaza Mall for brunch at Ay Mi Pa Mexican Grill & Cantina (2701 Ming Ave., Suite 260) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will also be a best dressed competition for those in African attire.
Afterward, the party moves to the Jazz Spot (1410 Wible Road, Suite 108) for a live music mixer from 4 to 8 p.m. with music, “good vibes and strong community.”
Everyone will gather for the big event on Saturday with the 11th annual Juneteenth Celebration at Jastro Park.
Running from 1 to 7 p.m., the gathering will include live music and DJs, community resources, food and other vendors and games.
In the past, children’s events have included sack races, tic-tac-toe, bounce houses and a kids zone with free activities for youngsters.
Jastro’s spray park will also be open until 6 p.m.