The significance and celebration of Juneteenth carries a lot of weight for African Americans. We celebrate the emancipation from chattel slavery but will never forget the nightmare, the journey of our ancestors, our resilience as a people in the face of what we had to endure due to systemic legacy of slavery. In spite of the innumerable obstacles that were placed before us, our unique culture made in America remains rich with our African heritage. The contributions we have made to the fabric of America are undeniable as well as our continued commitment to equal justice for all under the law.

Undoubtedly, the founders of the first Juneteenth organized in Galveston, TX, echoed the desire to simply celebrate our liberation. We do not know the names of the Galveston Juneteenth committee, but in 1865 they established the beginning of a national legacy and a national holiday!

The Berkeley Juneteenth Festival is a demonstrated example of “Belonging”:

Our community engaging other communities, coming together to celebrate the African American experience.