By Daily Press staff
The black community in Santa Monica will celebrate its heritage in style this month. The public is invited to attend the “11th Annual Juneteenth Celebration” will be on Saturday, June 21. The Santa Monica/Venice Branch of the NAACP, the City of Santa Monica, and the Juneteenth Committee, will host the event with other local organizations.
“Juneteenth 2003” will take place on the Third Street Promenade, between Arizona Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard, on June 21 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“Juneteenth” is recognized as the first celebrated holiday for African-Americans in the United States and commemorates the day when slaves initially received word of their own freedom. Juneteenth and has become an integral part of African-American history and an occasion for nationwide celebrations in honor of freedom, dignity and community pride. In some states, it is a state holiday.
The event will start with a procession of West African dancers, gospel singers, musicians and dignitaries that will weave a stream of music and dance through the Promenade announcing Juneteenth, beginning on Broadway Avenue, leading to the main stage at Third Street and Wilshire Boulevard. The performers will depict African- American history from African kings and queens, through American slavery, the emancipation, the jazz era and up to the present.
Stage performances will include gospel choirs, jazz and blues ensembles. Families and friends also will enjoy a musical review including jazz artist, Phyllis Battle, Larry Robinson (North on South Central) and the 12-member, West African dance ensemble, Muffukeda Sane.
L.A.’s best African-American “soul-food” and other cuisine will be available from area vendors. African-American arts, crafts and contemporary fashions will be on display and for sale.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 29, 2003. Read the original PDF.