Whether you are having a barbecue with friends and family, experiencing joy and connection in nature, or reflecting on the ideals of freedom and liberation for Black people in the US today, Juneteenth is a day to celebrate the contributions of Black leaders to our culture and society, while also recognizing that we have much progress to make.
Here are a few highlights to celebrate, do, read, and reflect on this holiday!
- An upcoming large regional park in Concord will be named after Black civil rights attorney and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, and the first one in Contra Costa County named after a Black person. It will commemorate his work and advocacy for racial justice in the Port Chicago disaster. Learn more.
- Dance, talk, connect and have fun at Santa Clara’s Juneteenth in the Park Festival or San Francisco’s Juneteenth weekend.
- Juneteenth was recognized as a Federal holiday, and cities like San Francisco also announced a municipal holiday to celebrate.
- “There’s something about black folks and parks for celebration,” she said. “Being outdoors together and in parks is a big part of black culture. And that’s why it is so hurtful and offensive when people try to police that behavior.” – Ms. Attica Locke for the New York Times.
- Support organizations that promote Black joy and connection to nature. This Juneteenth, Outdoor Afro invites everyone to spend 2.5 hours in nature to reflect on what it means to be free in America.
- Discover parks and places that celebrate black leaders. Have you been to Sam McDonald’s Park in San Mateo? Learn more about the history of
A Giant Among the Redwoods on our blog. - Spend your $$$ on black businesses. Check out this marketplace from ICA, an organization that accelerates businesses through mentoring and investments to close the racial and gender wealth gaps, that features many black-owned businesses across the Bay Area.
