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East County News Service
June 16, 2023 (La Mesa)—You’re invited to celebrate Black culture, history and life while honoring those who fought for freedom and rights. La Mesa’s Juneteenth Celebration will be held Sunday, June 19 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at MacArthur Park,4900 Memorial Drive in La Mesa.
“We bring a family oriented celebration with participation from local businesses, educators, writers, churches, community leaders, elected officials, and performers in and around La Mesa. All are welcome as we bring our community together and raise awareness of the Juneteenth jubilee and share its important historical significance,” states the website for the La Mesa Juneteenth Foundation.
Directed by President Abraham Lincoln, federal troops were sent to spread the word that enslaved black people were Americans under the law. On June 19, 1865 (2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation), they finally reached Texas and all Americans became free from slavery. Black Americans celebrated the date, also known as Emancipation Day, and the jubilee has continued to this day, which is now a recognized federal holiday.
"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 Allan Durden. "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." he added.
The afternoon-long 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 festivities will begin with a reading of the actual 1865 Juneteenth Proclamation by La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis. From there, the Jubilee will feature live performances, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Choir, Buki Domingos, and Nate's Band, among others. Among the line-up of inspirational speakers will be Avery Caldwell, professor of Design and Visual Culture at San Diego State University and Dr. Thekima Mayasa, professor of Africana Studies at San Diego Mesa College. The Jubilee also welcomes the participation of various community vendors offering such items as food, jewelry, art, books and community services, along with a special place for children's activities.
You can also celebrate Juneteenth with the La Mesa Juneteenth Foundation & San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce by purchasing a La Mesa Juneteenth & Friends T-shirt at the La Mesa Juneteenth & Friends Jubilee.
La Mesa Juneteenth and Friends 2023 Schedule
12:00PM - Opening, La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis
12:15PM - Performance: P-Smoove
12:30PM - Speakers: La Mesa Councilmembers Jack Shu, Colin Parent, Patricia Dillard
12:45PM - Performance: Esteban Torres
1:00PM - Speaker: Dr. Avery Caldwell; Professor, Design & Visual Culture, SDSU
1:15PM - Speaker: Dr. Thekima Mayasa; Professor, Africana Studies, San Diego Mesa College
1:30PM - Speaker: Ebony Tyree; Lecturer, Writing & Africana Studies, SDSU
1:45PM - Speaker: San Diego Council President Pro Tem Monica Montgomery Steppe
2:00PM - Performance: Nate’s Band
2:30PM - Performance: Leonard
2:45PM - Performance: Wes Gonzalez
3:00PM - Performance: Martin Luther King Jr. Community Choir
3:30PM - Performance: Buki Domingos & Dsoul
4:00PM - Closing Comments
https://lamesajuneteenth.org/juneteenth-2023
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