Celebrate Juneteenth with these local happenings

Image courtesy of Berkeley Juneteenth. 

On June 19, the United States celebrates the history and contributions of Black Americans.

Juneteenth -- sometimes referred to as Jubilee Day or Freedom Day -- is commemorated on this day in remembrance of the announcement of General Order No. 3 on June 19, 1865. With the order, freedom was secured for the enslaved people of Galveston Bay, Texas, the last Confederate state that legally allowed slavery.

Celebrated in some regions of the U.S. for more than 150 years, Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act.

As we approach this important holiday, we’ve compiled a list of Bay Area Juneteenth events that are easily accessible by BART. 

Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

Image courtesy of The Richmond Standard.

City of Richmond Juneteenth Parade and Festival | El Cerrito del Norte

The Richmond Juneteenth Parade and Festival will be held on Saturday June 17th. The parade begins at the Booker T. Anderson Community Center at 10am and ends at Nichol Park. It will be followed by a festival, starting at 11am that will run until 6pm, with live music, food, and family fun. Travel 0.9 miles from El Cerrito del Norte to  960 S 47th St, Richmond.

Image courtesy of West Coast Blues Society.

Hayward Russell City Juneteenth Celebration | Hayward

Head to downtown Hayward and enjoy blues, jazz and gospel music from 11am-5pm on Saturday, June 17 as the West Coast Blues Society and the city of Hayward put on a special day of music in honor of the Juneteenth holiday. Enjoy listening to special guest Johnny Rawls jam! Free. Travel 0.1 miles from Hayward to 777 B St.

Image courtesy of Berkeleyside.

Berkeley Juneteenth Festival | Ashby

The 36th annual Berkeley Juneteenth Festival, held Sunday, June 18, from 11am to 7pm, promises a day of education, activity and community. Experience Black culture and history, art, music and food.  The music incorporates some of the best of the African American experience: drumming, jazz, blues, neo-soul, gospel, R&B and reggae. The Kids/STEM Zone activities will include a rock wall and skating. Be sure to stop by the BART booth! The festival takes place between Adeline St and Alcatraz Ave in Berkeley – 0.3 miles from Ashby.

Image courtesy of Visit Oakland.

FAM BAM! Oakland's 14th Annual Juneteenth Festival! | Lake Merritt

On Saturday, June 17, join the celebration of Black/African culture that’s a family-friendly tradition for thousands of Bay Area residents. It is a day of reflection and education, promoting wellness, unity and pride. This year, there will be a keynote speech by congressional candidate and current BART Director Lateefah Simon and a headline performance by LaRussell. The festival's great variety of music, food and merchandise vendors, wellness workshops, art installations, youth activities and Father's Day tributes are a guaranteed good time for the whole family. The festival is 0.4 miles from Lake Merritt, between 12th and 1st avenues and Lake Merritt Blvd.

​​Image courtesy of Visit Concord.

Concord Juneteenth | Concord

The Concord Community Alliance is putting on the first ever event of its kind at Todos Santos Plaza (2175 Willow Pass Road) on Sunday, June 25, from 1pm-4pm, bringing the community together to honor Black history and inspire future generations. Travel 0.3 miles from Concord to Todos Santos Plaza.

How will you celebrate Juneteenth?

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