The significance and celebration of Juneteenth carries a lot of weight for African Americans: Emancipation from chattel slavery, but never forgetting the nightmare; The journey of our ancestors; Our resilience as a people for what we had to endure because of the systemic legacy of slavery and in spite of the obstacles that were placed before us; Our unique culture, made in America, but rich with our African heritage; The contributions we have made to the fabric of America, notwithstanding our humble beginnings; And our continued commitment  to equal justice under the law for all citizens.

No doubt the founders of the first celebrated Juneteenth in Galveston, TX echoed the desire to simply celebrate our journey. 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…