Jonathan Walker-VanKuren shares from his recital "Songs my mother taught me..." that celebrates African American history through song. This recording is of his most recent performance in Fort Worth for Black History Month. He has lived in Santa Barbara for a year while in residency at Opera Santa Barbara and has so many positive things to say about my experiences in such an inclusive city. Learn more at jonathanvankuren.com.
Read MoreLeticia Forney, is the owner and lead producer of Fresch events. She is an advocate for diversity within the local wedding industry and is proud to step into this moment. Here Leticia shares about her direct ancestor, the first Black resident of Sana Barbara, Jerry Forney. Learn more about her work at Freschevents.com.
Read MoreCresco Labs is on a mission to normalize, professionalize, and revolutionize cannabis. The are a proud Community Partner of Juneteenth Santa Barbara and have operations in Carpinteria, California. Originally based out of Chicago, Illinois, they have a Social Equity & Education Development (SEED) Initiative. This program is designed to ensure that all members of our society have the skills, knowledge and opportunity to work in and own businesses in the cannabis industry. Watch Mykel Selph, Vice President of the SEED Initiative and Amariah Walton, METRC Supervisor, share on their work. Learn more at CrescoLabs.com/Seed.
Read MoreDr. David Moore, is the pastor at New Covenant Worship Center in Santa Barbara and author of Making America Great Again: Fairy Tale? Horror Story? Dream Come True? This Junteenth, Dr. Moore reflects on the power of change in this moment and the joy and thirst for justice that comes after weariness. Learn more about Dr. David. Moore.
Read MoreSojourner Kincaid Rolle, a 35-year resident of Santa Barbara, is a poet, playwright and cultural activist. She served a two-year term as S.B.’s Poet Laureate (2015-2017) and is known for her work with young people and toward raising awareness throughout.
Read MoreFunlayo E. Wood, PhD recently earned her doctorate from the Department of African and African American Studies with a primary field in Religion at Harvard University. Today she opens up our Juneteenth celebration with spiritual grounding and libations. Her dissertation project "Objects and Immortals: The Life of Obi in Ifa-Orisa Religion" describes and analyzes the manifold uses and meanings of obi within the context of Ifa-Orisa religion and examines its ontological status as both a physical object and an irunmole, or an immaterial divine being. Learn more at Funlayophd.com.
Read MoreJoin us as we share videos of our Black community members through out the day at Juneteenthsb.com/Community-News. Thanks for celebrating with us!
Read MoreA quick recap of last years 2019 Juneteenth Santa Barbara! We fed and entertained over 400 people in the Santa Barbara Public Library Courtyard. It was a joyous celebration and we hope that 2021 Juneteenth can be an even larger in person event!
Read MoreWe are so grateful to our 2020 Community Partners who have engaged with Juneteenth this year. We appreciate your support and belief that we are better when we are united. We cannot thank you enough.
Please view our 2020 Community Partners page .
Read MoreWe centered ourselves this morning with our Chumash siblings embracing the marine layered sunrise and remembering our Ancestors. We are reminded that we are all connected, humans in solidarity. We start this day with full hearts and intentions to share our stories and bring our community together. Thank you to our Chumash siblings for blessing us, together we will all be free. 🙏🏾
Read MoreIf LA can do it, so can Santa Barbara! Adopt an anti-racist #PeoplesBudget #defundthepolice #carenotcops #blacklivesmatter
Read MoreFeel free to express yourself and record in your milieu. We love seeing the diversity of Black people! Individuals, businesses and organizations are welcome to participate.
Read MoreAdd an 'I Celebrate Juneteenth' Facebook Frame to your profile picture!
Read MoreThank you Santa Barbara! It was an amazing turnout of love and healing. Now the work can begin. Let’s all get free together!
Read MoreSunday at 1pm at the Courthouse, we will share our demands of the City and Police Department. We know that many other folks have led actions this week, but we affirm that Black people must be able to tell their own stories and create their own solutions. We speak for Breonna. We cry for Ahmaud. And we yell for George. BLACK LIVES MATTER
Read MoreFrom the mouths of babes…
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