The History of Juneteenth, and How to Celebrate It in California

When people think of a day for independence in the United States, they generally think of the Fourth of July—a day filled with fireworks, cookouts, and people decked out in red, white, and blue to celebrate when the thirteen colonies were finally free from British rule. 

I used to attend these celebrations when I was little, until I realized that during the time that the British-American colonizers were celebrating their independence, my ancestors were enslaved and denied their rights to liberty, freedom, and justice. As Frederick Douglass once famously asked in 1852, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" So, Juneteenth is the Independence and Freedom Day for African Americans—those of us who descend from the enslaved.

What Is Juneteenth?: A Brief History of Its Significance

Juneteenth, a portmanteau of June and nineteenth, is a significant, historic holiday that celebrates the emancipation of enslaved Africans in the U.S.

Though President Abraham Lincoln historically issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863—the momentous day in which chattel slavery was outlawed in the Confederate states—enslaved peoples weren’t free instantly. Enslavers didn’t free the people they enslaved unless forced to do so. So, enforcement of the proclamation relied on the presence of Union troops in states that were still practicing slavery.

Unfortunately, Texas was one state that had a large enslaved population, but little Union presence. This only encouraged more enslavers to congregate in Texas. But, following the end of the Civil War—due to the surrender of General Robert E. Lee on April 9, 1865—General Gordon Granger arrived with his regiment in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. He issued that in accordance with the proclamation from the United States, all enslaved people must be freed. However, General Granger still advised the newly freed Black people to remain silently at their enslavers’ homes and stated that their dynamic had shifted to that of employer and hired labor.

Though the newly freed people were not given reparations or resources, and slavery essentially morphed into sharecropping, General Granger’s arrival signified freedom for 250,000 enslaved peoples in Texas. The emancipation inspired Juneteenth celebrations amongst newly freed Black people. That December, due to the ratification of the 13th Amendment, slavery was formally abolished in all states.

The Historical Significance of Juneteenth in California

In 1849, California requested to enter the Union as a free state. Even though California stated that slavery wouldn’t be recognized in the founding constitution, that was no longer the case after many enslavers migrated to California. For example, one could easily find newspaper ads in San Francisco and Sacramento advertising the selling of enslaved people or offering rewards for the capture of enslaved escapees. 

Given this, it’s quite significant that California recognized Juneteenth in 2003. During the Great Migration—the relocation of more than six million African Americans from the South to Midwestern, Northern, and Western cities during 1916-1970—Black people came to cities like Oakland, Los Angeles, and Bakersfield, bringing their celebrations of Juneteenth with them. The San Francisco Bay Area County of Santa Clara was the first county in California to declare Juneteenth as an official holiday.

Juneteenth Activities and Celebrations in California

This year, show how proud you are of our country’s emancipation of enslaved African Americans, and actively take part in the 2024 Juneteenth activities and celebrations in California.

Juneteenth Activities in Los Angeles

What: Juneteenth at Chollas Lake
Where: 6050 College Grove Drive, San Diego
When: Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

A local gathering organized for the community in association with Community Actors Theatre, Rolando Park Community Council, Chollas Lake Parks and Recreation Council, and Key56 Radio. There will be games, music, and free entertainment for all ages along with a wide range of vendors. 

Juneteenth Activities in Los Angeles

What: Juneteenth Celebration at Aquarium of the Pacific
Where: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach 90802
When: Wednesday, June 19, 2024, from 11 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Celebrate the diaspora at this fascinating celebration at the iconic Aquarium of the Pacific. This unique celebration and venue makes it an especially interesting way to enjoy Juneteenth. Entry to the Juneteenth Celebration is included with Aquarium of the Pacific general admission.

Juneteenth Celebrations in the bay area

What: Juneteenth Family Celebration
Where: Children's Discovery Museum, 180 Woz Way, San Jose. 95110
When: Wednesday, June 19, 2024 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The children's museum event will include an animated short film provided by the Silicon Valley African Film Festival, a West African drumming class, and an instrument-making craft activity.

These are just some of the many Juneteenth celebrations that California has to offer. It’s integral that people support Black-owned businesses, learn about historically Black neighborhoods, and fight against racial oppression in every sphere of our lives. Juneteenth signifies freedom and independence for all, especially the most vulnerable. While there are so many global atrocities that we have little control over, we can start contributing to positive change right here in California.