The third annual “June Jubilee: A Celebration of Black Excellence” is set to take place on Saturday, June 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Los Angeles Central Library.
This free and family-friendly event is designed to honor Juneteenth and the significant contributions of African Americans to Los Angeles and California.
Valerie Lynne Shaw, president of the Board of Library Commissioners, states that “June Jubilee is more than a celebration – it’s a powerful expression of pride, history, and community.”
She explains that attending the event allows Angelenos to honor the legacy of Juneteenth while also engaging in meaningful reflection and learning, bringing communities closer together.
Jené D. Brown, LAPL racial equity officer and director of the LAPL Emerging Technologies and Collections Division, invites diverse cultures throughout the city to join in the celebration of the Black community’s talents, achievements, and heritage.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive before 9:30 a.m. for a special African water libation ceremony, which will feature traditional dancers, drummers, and a poem specifically composed for the occasion by former L.A. Poet Laureate Lynne Thompson.
Angela Charles, a member of Brown’s Emerging Technologies and Collections team, describes the acoustics of the Central Library, saying, “Just imagine being in this huge building and hearing these amazing, vibrant drumming sounds.”
She notes that the sound resonates beautifully throughout the library, enhancing the experience for all present.
The day’s festivities will include a screening of the Netflix documentary “Black Barbie: A Documentary,” which will be followed by a discussion with its writer and director, Lagueria Davis, along with producer Aaliyah Williams.
There will also be activities suitable for all ages, such as a crown-making workshop inspired by the book “Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, a beats workshop led by DJ Scetch, and a scavenger hunt focused on the historic Central Branch.
Additional entertainment will feature hip-hop bingo, PBS documentaries about Black life, children’s story times, demonstrations of line dancing and double-dutch, and a homebuying workshop, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Cultural and historical exhibits will enrich the experience, including story quilts from the African American Quilters of Los Angeles and the chance for attendees to participate in crowdsourcing efforts to provide missing information on photos taken by Rolland J. Curtis—who chronicled Los Angeles during the early tenure of the late Mayor Tom Bradley.
“[Curtis] was really able to document that era and take a lot of pictures,” Charles explains, highlighting the historical significance of his work and noting that many of the influential figures he photographed remain unidentified.
She emphasizes the importance of public participation in this crowdsourcing initiative, which can significantly contribute to the Library’s collections.
“It’s a ripple effect,” Charles asserts. “When one [collection] is put out in the public and people are made aware of it, they start to ask questions about other collections. It’s been very helpful.”
The Library is portrayed as a unique cultural resource that showcases and educates on experiences across different demographics, including the African American experience in a manner that goes beyond a simple book list.
In the context of declining library usage in the age of e-books, Charles insists that libraries serve as cultural hubs, providing representations of every demographic.
She adds, “This building has such a history – we have a Tom Bradley Wing. We’re able to piggyback off that history and remind people that libraries are not just a place where you get books but a place of community.”
Charles emphasizes that while Los Angeles may not always be recognized for its rich African American history, it is a narrative that stretches far back in time, and it is crucial not to lose this history as elders pass away.
June Jubilee serves as a reminder of this legacy, allowing all community members to celebrate and acknowledge key milestones in their shared history.
The event aims to uplift and recognize pivotal elements within the community, inviting reflection and collective appreciation.
“When you take a step back and look at it collectively, you’ll see the community of it all, of June Jubilee,” Charles concludes.
Curated by Changing Tones—one of the Library’s racial equity and inclusion groups—June Jubilee will celebrate and share the extensive contributions of African Americans throughout both local and national history.
The Los Angeles Central Library is located at 630 W. Fifth St., in downtown Los Angeles. LAPL library card holders can take advantage of discounted parking for $1, and visitors are urged to apply for a library card on the day of the event.
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