Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, commemorates the historical moment Black people in Texas finally learned slavery had ended — three years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday was federally recognized in 2021, though African Americans have celebrated on June 19 for more than a hundred years, including in San Diego.
The holiday came to San Diego when business owner Sidney Cooper Sr. moved from Tulsa. He became a pillar of the local Black community, gave store credit to people who couldn’t afford groceries and earned the nickname, the “Mayor of Imperial Avenue.” He encouraged other Black people to celebrate Juneteenth, allowing it to grow into the celebration it is today.
Now, California and over half of all U.S. states recognize Juneteenth as a holiday. Californians don’t get paid leave on Juneteenth, but state employees can choose to take the day off.
Here’s where to celebrate Juneteenth in downtown San Diego and surrounding areas:
Event planning organization SD Melanin is hosting a citywide series of celebrations of Black entrepreneurship and culture. The lineup includes an entrepreneurship workshop on Imperial Avenue on June 17; An R&B dance in Hillcrest on June 19; the main event is live music and DJs for Black-owned businesses party at Waterfront Park on June 20; and a celebration of Black visual art at the Broker’s Building Art Gallery on the June 21.
Still have energy after Kinfolk Fest? Attend the Juneteenth Kinfolk After Party on the night of June 20 in the Casablanca Lounge. San Diego-born, Houston-based rapper Young Pro will be performing his viral record “Daygo vs Everybody.”
Quartyard, East Village’s event venue made from repurposed shipping containers, is hosting a pair of music nights for Juneteenth. First, a “Studio Session” Jazz Night on June 18, hosted by the lifestyle brand FUTURE IS COLOR. Next up is an R&B Block Party on June 19, featuring nostalgic hits from the 1990s and early ‘00s.
San Diego Central Library Events
All San Diego Library locations will be closed on Juneteenth, but residents can still visit the San Diego Central Library for educational events about Black culture and history. On June 17 there’ll be two showings of the documentary Black In Space: Breaking the Color Barrier, on the collision between the Civil Rights movement and the Space Race. On June 18 will be two more showings of More than a Building: A Dream Come True, a documentary about the opening of the African American Museum in Washington D.C.
Also look out for the Library’s “More than Rhythm: A Black Music Series” lecture series, where UCSD professor and prolific music producer King Britt will lecture on the origin of House music on June 16.
Cooper Family Juneteenth Festival
The Cooper Family Foundation, named for the Juneteenth trailblazer, is also hosting its free “Healing the Community” Festival on June 20 at Memorial Park in Logan Heights. The Cooper family has been celebrating Juneteenth in San Diego for decades. Expect live music, an interactive history wall and lots of food.
Louisiana Purchase Block Party
This New Orleans-inspired North Park restaurant is bringing people together with a block party on June 19. Expect spoken word performances, live music, and plenty of Black-owned businesses to support throughout the day.
National Lampoon: The Yellow Door
Those also looking to celebrate Father’s Day can attend this “Juneteenth & Fathers Day” stand-up comedy night on June 21 at The Yellow Door in the Gaslamp Quarter. Hosted by Los Angeles-based comedian Bilal Young and featuring comedians with performances in the Netflix is a Joke Festival and Running Point. SDSun
