Lancaster, CA. June 10, 2024 – Get ready for a vibrant celebration of culture, resilience, and joy as the City of Lancaster and community partners present the fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration on Sunday, June 15, from 12 to 5 p.m. at Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park. This year’s theme, Unapologetically Free: Celebrating Black Excellence, honors the strength and achievements of the Black community with a day filled with unity, heritage, and fun.

Headlining this year’s event is rising musical artist Steven G, with the afternoon hosted by actor and comedian Gerald “Slink” Johnson, best known for his role in Black Jesus. Attendees can also enjoy live music, a DJ, video games, food trucks, line dancing, and a pop-up skating rink that promises to be a crowd favorite.

The celebration continues with an interactive arts and history area, where guests of all ages can express their creativity and learn more about the significance of Juneteenth. This annual gathering showcases the heart of Lancaster—a community that comes together to reflect, uplift, and celebrate freedom.

“Juneteenth is more than a historical milestone—it’s a call to acknowledge progress and push for a better future,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “We’re proud to stand with our community in honoring the legacy and contributions of African Americans, and celebrating everything this day represents.”

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the date when the last enslaved people in the Confederacy learned of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a powerful reminder of justice delayed, but not denied.

The Juneteenth Community Planning Committee—made up of local residents, organizations, businesses, and the City of Lancaster—works each year to bring this celebration to life and promote awareness of Black history as American history.

This is a free, family-friendly event open to all. Thank you to the Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA), High Desert Broadcasting, the L.A. County Department of Mental Health ARISE Division, and the L.A. County Department of Mental Health SALT Division for their partnership in this event. For more information, visit www.cityoflancasterca.gov/Juneteenth. 

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About The City of Lancaster

Lancaster is a diverse community of nearly 170,000, leading the future through science, technology, art, culture, and collaboration. Home to astronauts, rocket scientists, families, and innovative businesses large and small, we are leading the USA with innovation. Combined with spectacular landscapes and clean air, Lancaster has the confidence, expertise, spirit, and imagination to transform tomorrow. We are: Creating a better tomorrow. Visit us at www.cityoflancasterca.gov.