This Saturday marks the first time in American history that Juneteenth will be celebrated as a federal holiday. As the Indomitable Club heads to the East Bay to face off against Oakland Roots, fans in Sacramento can join local Juneteenth events, support local Black-owned businesses, and explore the origins and meanings behind the holiday.
This Saturday marks the first time in American history that Juneteenth will be celebrated as a federal holiday. As the Indomitable Club heads to the East Bay to face off against Oakland Roots, fans in Sacramento can join local Juneteenth events, support local Black-owned businesses, and explore the origins and meanings behind the holiday.
What is Juneteenth?
Education is a vital piece of understanding exactly what Juneteenth is celebrating. On June 18th, 1865 Union troops rode into Galveston, Texas to proclaim that all slaves in the state were free two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. The next day, June 19, General Granger read General Order No.3, marking the end of slavery in Texas.
Over 150 years later, the annual celebration has taken on new names — Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, Freedom Day and Emancipation Day. The first celebrations included prayer and family celebrations. In 1872, Juneteenth celebrations reach new heights when group of African-American ministers and businessmen in Houston purchased 10 acres of land and created Emancipation Park to host annual celebrations.
What is Juneteenth?
Education is a vital piece of understanding exactly what Juneteenth is celebrating. On June 18th, 1865 Union troops rode into Galveston, Texas to proclaim that all slaves in the state were free two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. The next day, June 19, General Granger read General Order No.3, marking the end of slavery in Texas.
Over 150 years later, the annual celebration has taken on new names — Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, Freedom Day and Emancipation Day. The first celebrations included prayer and family celebrations. In 1872, Juneteenth celebrations reach new heights when group of African-American ministers and businessmen in Houston purchased 10 acres of land and created Emancipation Park to host annual celebrations.
The traditions and celebrations for Juneteenth among Black Americans vary, but the relevance of the color red on Juneteenth is common – from the food and drinks to clothing and more. According to the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation., red represents the millions of men and women who have lost their lives and remembrance of those who sacrificed for the next generation and paved the way for future generations to have better lives and a better chance at equality.
How can I celebrate?
Each community celebration is different, from festivals, parades and picnics, but at the core is a celebration of family and community, rooted in food and history. But attending a festival or public event isn’t the only way to respect and honor the holiday. Check out the local celebrations below happening this weekend.
Supporting Black-owned businesses and organizations is another way to celebrate Juneteenth. The diversity of Sacramento has been showcased through the Republic FC Kickstart small-business grant program. Earlier this year, the club highlighted five finalists from a field of over 50 nominated businesses — Classy Hippie Tea Company, Feed Sacramento Homeless, Hundreds Unit, Playmakers Elite Sports Academy, Sugar Coated Cupcakes. Or check out the Black-owned businesses highlighted by the Downtown Sacramento Partnership.
The traditions and celebrations for Juneteenth among Black Americans vary, but the relevance of the color red on Juneteenth is common – from the food and drinks to clothing and more. According to the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation., red represents the millions of men and women who have lost their lives and remembrance of those who sacrificed for the next generation and paved the way for future generations to have better lives and a better chance at equality.
How can I celebrate?
Each community celebration is different, from festivals, parades and picnics, but at the core is a celebration of family and community, rooted in food and history. But attending a festival or public event isn’t the only way to respect and honor the holiday. Check out the local celebrations below happening this weekend.
Supporting Black-owned businesses and organizations is another way to celebrate Juneteenth. The diversity of Sacramento has been showcased through the Republic FC Kickstart small-business grant program. Earlier this year, the club highlighted five finalists from a field of over 50 nominated businesses — Classy Hippie Tea Company, Feed Sacramento Homeless, Hundreds Unit, Playmakers Elite Sports Academy, Sugar Coated Cupcakes. Or check out the Black-owned businesses highlighted by the Downtown Sacramento Partnership.
Resources and Materials to Listen. Learn. Love.
Listening to the stories of Juneteenth – from its origins to how it impacts communities is incredibly important to help create change and make our community a better place for everyone.
Check out these resources to learn more about the history of Juneteenth.
National Museum of African American History and Culture | Talking About Race
California State Library | Juneteenth Exhibit : Celebrating Emancipation
New York Times | So You Want to Learn About Juneteenth?
Along with the history of Juneteenth, the personal perspecitives of our friends, neighbors and beyond can provide insight and learning at every turn. Sacramento’s own – and current USL Championship player – Amobi Okugo shared his perspective on Juneteenth and more.
“I’m going to be honest with you… Growing up, I didn’t know much about Juneteenth.
As a first-generation Nigerian American, my parents emigrated to the United States and in my household, we were more familiar with the African experience than we were the American one. There are some similarities, of course, but it took time for me to listen, learn and familiarize myself with the history of racial injustice in this country. Perhaps many of you today are in the same situation. If you take anything from this story, I want you to know you’re not alone. I support you.”
And our own Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu shared his thoughts and experiences in a personal essay this February.
“My mother has told me stories about her taking my brother and I grocery shopping when we were young, and on occasions, someone would comment about how sweet it was of my mother to adopt two little brown boys. Then, she would gracefully explain that we were not adopted. That we were her biological children. It’s wild to think… This is only 20-years ago! Even into college, I would still get teammates who would see me hug my mother after games and then later ask me, who is that woman you were hugging?”
Select Sacramento Juneteenth Events
2021 California Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
Friday, June 18th 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
California State Capitol Museum
Juneteenth Sac Cruise
Sat, June 19th, 3-9 PM
City Cruises Sacramento
Juneteenth @ 40 Acres Block Party
Sat, June 19th, 10 AM – 5 PM
Esther’s Park, 3408 3rd Ave, Sacramento, CA
2021 Sacramento Juneteenth Celebration- Friend of the African Union
Fri, June 25th, 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Palace Food Services
Resources and Materials to Listen. Learn. Love.
Listening to the stories of Juneteenth – from its origins to how it impacts communities is incredibly important to help create change and make our community a better place for everyone.
Check out these resources to learn more about the history of Juneteenth.
National Museum of African American History and Culture | Talking About Race
California State Library | Juneteenth Exhibit : Celebrating Emancipation
New York Times | So You Want to Learn About Juneteenth?
Along with the history of Juneteenth, the personal perspecitives of our friends, neighbors and beyond can provide insight and learning at every turn. Sacramento’s own – and current USL Championship player – Amobi Okugo shared his perspective on Juneteenth and more.
“I’m going to be honest with you… Growing up, I didn’t know much about Juneteenth.
As a first-generation Nigerian American, my parents emigrated to the United States and in my household, we were more familiar with the African experience than we were the American one. There are some similarities, of course, but it took time for me to listen, learn and familiarize myself with the history of racial injustice in this country. Perhaps many of you today are in the same situation. If you take anything from this story, I want you to know you’re not alone. I support you.”
And our own Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu shared his thoughts and experiences in a personal essay this February.
“My mother has told me stories about her taking my brother and I grocery shopping when we were young, and on occasions, someone would comment about how sweet it was of my mother to adopt two little brown boys. Then, she would gracefully explain that we were not adopted. That we were her biological children. It’s wild to think… This is only 20-years ago! Even into college, I would still get teammates who would see me hug my mother after games and then later ask me, who is that woman you were hugging?”
Select Sacramento Juneteenth Events
2021 California Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
Friday, June 18th 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
California State Capitol Museum
Juneteenth Sac Cruise
Sat, June 19th, 3-9 PM
City Cruises Sacramento
Juneteenth @ 40 Acres Block Party
Sat, June 19th, 10 AM – 5 PM
Esther’s Park, 3408 3rd Ave, Sacramento, CA
2021 Sacramento Juneteenth Celebration- Friend of the African Union
Fri, June 25th, 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Palace Food Services
