Thanks to happenstance, 2020 is one of those times that June the 19th has fallen on a federal holiday. Also, it’s the first time that it’s coincided with Father’s Day. These two things make it a great time to be hanging out with family. The holiday commemorates the abolishment of slavery, which took effect when the Union Army put out General Order No. 3, which proclaimed that enslaved people were now free. With Black people still fighting the good fight for their right to representation, we need to stay reminded that neither freedom nor equality can be taken for granted. Following are some of the picks for LA events celebrating Juneteenth.
Juneteenth Experience To Be Held at Blackbird House
Bridgid Coulter Cheadle (also famous as actor Don Cheadle’s wife) will host the Juneteenth Experience out of her new working space meant for women of color. Blackbird comprises a niche space meant to inspire women of color and their allies, as well as provide a homely setting for connection and the creation of ideas. The activities will include art installations, panel discussions, relaxation stations, gourmet food, and live music, among other things. Special guests at the event will include Iris Rideau, Debbie Allen, and Rick Garzon.
Leimert Park Juneteenth Festival
This is a free celebration of Black community and culture set up by Still Rising Corp., featuring music, art educational activities, and of course, food. They’re set to perform from their newest ‘Julius Eastman Vol. 2: Joy Boy’, which is the second entry that comes in their anthology, and celebrates the late composer as well as his underappreciated melodic vision. They’re also here to do a rendition of the open score “Buddha”, starting at dawn and stretching till dusk.
Juneteenth: A Global Celebration of Freedom
This Black Freedom celebration features a performance by The Re-Collective Orchestra, and marks the first time that an all-Black symphony orchestra is taking over the stage at Hollywood Bowl. Conductors Derrick Hodge and Thomas Wilkins lead a musical fusion comprising jazz, hip-hop, soul, and gospel. Guests at the event include Earth, Wind & Fire, The Roots, Chaka Khan and others. Composer and Pianist Robert Glasper is set to host the event.
Caribbean Kaleidoscope
Commemorate Juneteenth alongside Father’s Day this year at the free outdoor summer show by Levitt LA in MacArthur Park. They’re set to put up a mix of multicultural music which includes Prince Bernard’s steelpan music; Upstream playing reggae, Caribbean, soca, steel drum, and calypso music; DJ Adé Neff spinning out Afro-Cuban beats to Motown soul, and Chacombo doling out some Afro Peruvian jams. You will also get to witness a Jonkanoo style celebration courtesy of Hummingbird Village, who are a folk ensemble with Garifuna singers and drummers.