Photo: Getty Images North America
In 2021 we've already seen some major changes and firsts. We got our first woman of color in a major office at the White House as well as the first woman to ever referee a Super Bowl Game. Many Americans are preparing to work from home indefinitely and hybrid work schedules are becoming a norm. These are just a few things we've already seen take place and now that the Senate has unanimously passed a bill to make Juneteenth a Federal holiday and it made its way to President Biden's desk to be signed into law- another major shift has occurred this year to make history! Major companies have already started honoring Juneteenth as a holiday, while it may take others to get the memo, similar to what happened in the 1800s when most slaves weren't informed of their freedom until WELL after the emancipation became a reality! Get out and enjoy some of the upcoming Juneteenth celebrations whether you do it in person or virtually and not just because you should but because you can!!!
San Francisco Black Film Festival XXXIII: The celebration is back from June 17th-20th. Explore, celebrate and support African American cinema and the African Diaspora. More Info Here.
Tribal Love: Virtual Fathers Day Event: Dads Evoking Change and EMMY Award winning BE Imaginative team up on Friday, June 18th, from 6PM-8PM to heal wounds and bridge the divide between our Black families while normalizing coming together as a community to celebrate, and hold space for each other in times of celebration! Click Here.
SF Juneteenth Weekend: Come out and enjoy Black cuisine, Black vendors, free giveaways, amusement rides, and special guest performers! Saturday June 19th at The Annual Western Addition Juneteenth at the African American Arts and Culture Complex, 762 Fulton from 12pm-5pm. The festivities will then continue on Sunday, June 20th with SF Blackwall Street at Gilman Park in Bayview with a special father's day edition celebrating our Black fathers with a free meal and awards! Go to SanFranciscoJuneteenth.com for more info.
The Black Cultural Zone's Juneteenth Father's Day Celebration: Celebrate us, our freedom, our fathers and our families at The Black Cultural Zone's Juneteenth and Father's Day Celebration on Sunday, June 20th. Visit @blackculturalzone for more info.
Fallen Heroes, Rising Starsâ A Juneteenth Celebration Through Dance: Come out to this annual event where all stars from the world of dance unite on one stage to celebrate dance, music, and American History. Join in the celebration from 6-7:30 pm on June 26th. GrownWomenDance.org
Oakland Lake Merritt Juneteenth Festival: Noon-8 p.m. June 19. Lake Merritt Amphitheatre. With DJs, art installations, speakers and presentations; food vendors, more. Free but donations accepted. Find Out More HERE.
Bayview Opera House:1-3 p.m. June 19. Historic San Francisco venue reopens outdoor stage for Juneteenth celebration featuring blues/jazz music, dance, drumming and poetry/spoken word performances. Details HERE.
(Updated 6/18/21 to reflect -the Bill being signed into Law)