The Los Angeles City Council marked Juneteenth on Wednesday with a lively musical performance and the unveiling of artwork set to highlight the weekend’s upcoming Juneteenth events.
Councilman Curren Price, who played a pivotal role in establishing Juneteenth as an official city holiday five years ago, led the presentation.
“On June 20, 2022, we made history,” Price expressed. “Los Angeles formally commemorated Juneteenth for the very first time. So, today, I’m standing here with a great deal of pride. It means everything to help bring the spirit of Juneteenth right here to chambers.”
Price emphasized that the observance of Juneteenth goes beyond simply marking a date on the calendar; it is about carrying on a legacy of freedom and advocating for justice and equality.
During the event, South Los Angeles native and Compton teacher Faith White performed the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
In addition, Price highlighted the work of Brandon Barry Brown, an L.A.-based multidisciplinary artist. Brown was commissioned by Price to create a piece of art that would encapsulate the emotions of liberation and hope that Juneteenth represents.
Although Brown was unable to attend the council meeting, a video was played where he spoke about his inspiration for the artwork. He noted that a specific scene from the film “Sinners,” featuring actors Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan, along with Ernie Burns’ painting “Sugar Shack,” greatly influenced him.
“I wanted to make like a modern-day version of that painting in my own style, using a representation of our ancestors from the past, the present, and future—just people having a good time coming together,” Brown conveyed in the video.
He further shared his aspiration for viewers by stating, “The message that I hope people take away when they see my work is that I want them to feel happy. I want them to be awed. I want them to see themselves in the work.”
Juneteenth commemorates the reading of General Order No. 3 by Union Army Gen. Gordon Granger in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, which announced the freedom of enslaved people in the state following the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862.
Recognizing its significance, Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.
Los Angeles is scheduled to host a series of events from Friday to celebrate this important day.
Price’s office plans to kick off festivities with a “Juneteenth Sock Hop Celebration and Community Art Tribute” in honor of the musical legend Barry White, a cherished neighbor who contributed to the preservation of one of the city’s oldest parks.
This event will take place at the Barry White Gymnasium South Park Recreation Center, located at 345 E. 51st St., from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday.
The following day, Saturday, the city will host its Third Annual Juneteenth Block Party. It will occur along Central Avenue between 23rd Street and Adams Boulevard, starting at noon and lasting until 5 p.m.
This block party will feature food trucks, vendors, a car show, live music, and a dedicated area for children, among various activities.
Concluding the weekend’s events, Price’s team will host a “Community Experience in the Park” on Sunday.
Touted as a Juneteenth Finale, this event aims to offer live performances, food trucks, refreshment stands, and a community resource fair, all taking place at the South Park Recreation Center.
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