As we celebrated Juneteenth, now a federal holiday, individuals from around the world joined together at the iconic Greek Theatre in Griffith Park to commemorate this special day with music and joy. This Global Celebration for Freedom became a federal holiday on June 17th, 2021, and occurs every third Saturday of June. This year Juneteenth was celebrated on Monday, June 19th.
The stage came alive with an extraordinary lineup of talented and acclaimed artists, leaving an indelible mark on everyone in attendance. People were happy to feature an illustrious list of performers, including Miguel, Nelly, Davido, Jodeci, Charlie Wilson, Kirk Franklin, SWV, Coi Leray, and Mike Phillips. Under the masterful direction of Adam Blackstone and Oscar-winner Questlove, the concert took everyone on a musical journey like no other.
An enchanting tribute to the late, great Tina Turner was presented by the talented singer and “Grown-ish” star Chlöe Bailey. With her signature sound and captivating performance, Chlöe Bailey paid homage to the iconic Tina Turner, creating a truly memorable moment. In addition, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a powerful speech, reinforcing the commitment to freedom and unity that Juneteenth represents.
Juneteenth, with its origins dating back to 1880 as a modest gathering in Galveston, Texas, has evolved into an annual commemoration observed across various states and territories throughout the nation. Notably, this day has been commemorated as a public holiday in 28 U.S. states. For African Americans, Juneteenth holds deep significance, celebrating the freedom that was long denied and standing as a symbol of solidarity in the ongoing fight for justice.
As we honored Juneteenth, organizations dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights of the Black community utilized the event to advocate for necessary amends and progress.
This extraordinary celebration served as a tribute to the past, an acknowledgment of progress, and a renewed commitment to a future where equality is guaranteed for all. Together, we embraced Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom, on this memorable evening of global unity.
