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# Volunteers Build Two New Learning Studios at St. Joseph Center's Early Learning Center
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/honoring-the-legacy-of-juneteenth/
- Published: 2006-06-14T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T18:20:06.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Community, Venice, #archive-import

*By Daily Press staff*

Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating June 19, 1865, when General Gordon Granger rode into Galvelston, Tex. to inform the slaves that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed two and a half years before, commanding the freeing of all slaves.

According to LaVerne Ross, president of the Juneteenth Celebration Committee, the 14th annual celebration of Juneteenth in Santa Monica will focus on the legacy of slavery and how the U.S. has progressed to an era of freedom and strength.

The celebration will include an educational program for adults and children alike. Musical guests include the gospel choir from Second Baptist Church of Venice; Clarence Ross teaching djimbe drums to up to 25 participants; Billy Harris on saxophone, and the Billy Johnson Band kicking off the ceremony with jazz, soul and blues.

Historical performances fill the celebration, such as Ella Raino telling ancient stories from Africa to America. Martin Yarbrough will demonstrate field hollering, as well as adding his guitar playing to the musical feast. There will be poetry performed by writer Ola Mitchell, and “Children of the Emanicpation” exhibition — a traveling museum which uses performance to teach about the daily lives and activities of slaves. The emcee of the celebration is actor Gwen George.

The Juneteenth celebration will take place Saturday, June 17 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Virginia Avenue Park, located at 2200 Virginia Ave. For more information call Ross at (310) 451-8124, or (310) 908-4554\. Volunteers build creative environment for preschoolers

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 14, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/061406.pdf?ref=smdp.com)