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Updated 6/14 with more information from organizersBy Jonathan Goetz and Henri Migala
Photos courtesy: La Mesa Juneteenth & Henri Migala
June 13, 2024 (La Mesa) -- The third annual La Mesa Juneteenth and Friends celebration is being held this Sunday, June 16 at MacArthur Park, 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa. The La Mesa Juneteenth and Friends celebration is a grassroots community effort that brings the rich heritage, culture, and fun of a Juneteenth Jubilee to La Mesa, East County and the wider San Diego region.
The afternoon-long, family friendly celebration will feature a wide range of engaging activities and attractions suitable for all ages, highlighted by "Beacons," a beautiful display of murals depicting Black community icons from the worlds of business, education, government, athletics and the arts.
The Jubilee will kick off at noon with La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis reading the historic Juneteenth Proclamation and then feature live performances, highlighted by Dale Fleming and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Choir, singers Madeline Grace Jones, P. Smoove, jazz singer Leonard Patton and African Dance & Drums from Nana Sadie. Others scheduled to speak include Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, County Supervisor Monica Montgomery-Steppe and members of the La Mesa City Council.
The Jubilee, which runs until 4 p.m., also features the participation of various community vendors offering such items as food, jewelry, art, books and community services, along with a kid's zone, arts and crafts, face painting and more.
Juneteenth commemorates the official end of slavery in the U.S., when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedoms on June 19, 1865, over two years after U.S. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The inaugural commemoration of it was in 1866, and it was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021.
Also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth is a day to honor and celebrate liberation. Today, the holiday is about celebrating Black Culture, history and life, bringing people together to honor all those who came before and who fought for the rights and privileges held today.
"The La Mesa Juneteenth and Friends Jubilee aims to celebrate this historic milestone by bringing together people of all backgrounds and communities for a day of joy, education and empowerment." said spokesperson Kim Vinyard. "We invite everyone to join us in honoring the resilience and triumphs of African Americans while embracing the values of unity, inclusivity and equality for all." she added.
Photo, right: East County Magazine editor Miriam Raftery with Allan Durden, organizer of La Mesa’s inaugural Juneteenth event (2022)La Mesa Juneteenth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity founded in 2022 in the aftermath and discussions following protests in 2020 that also sparked the formation of the La Mesa Citizen Police Oversight Board.
La Mesa Juneteenth Mission and Vision Statements:
The mission of La Mesa Juneteenth is to empower and uplift the community through inclusive celebrations, educational initiatives, and collaborative efforts. Guided by the principles of unity, diversity, and social justice, the organization is dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. La Mesa Juneteenth is committed to providing educational opportunities that promote historical understanding, cultural appreciation, and social awareness. Through these efforts, the organization aims to inspire positive change, cultivate empathy, and foster a sense of unity among community members.
La Mesa Juneteenth envisions an inclusive and harmonious community in La Mesa, where education is valued and accessible to all. Through vibrant events, educational programs, and community partnerships, the organization strives to promote lifelong learning, cultural appreciation, and social progress. La Mesa Juneteenth aspires to bridge societal gaps, empower individuals, and foster a compassionate society that celebrates diversity, encourages dialogue, and achieves lasting positive change.
For additional information, contact: Kim Vinyard at (619) 889-6365 or by email at kim@lamesajuneteenth.org and feel free to visit the Foundation's website, lamesajuneteenth.org
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