'It means us having a day for us and our people and all the struggles we've been through, and just rejoicing in life getting better.'
"San Francisco was the Western hub of the underground railroad. Their role was to raise the money. So the money for the raid on Harpers Ferry which was the precipitating event for the Civil War came from San Francisco."
In Oakland, Lake Merritt was celebrating Juneteenth in a big way. Richard Johnson was talking to his grandson about why the day is so important.There were extra police officers on duty and street closures around the lake, near the scene of gun violence at last year's festival where one man was killed.Oakland chef Dion Green wants to move forward and focus on what's good.
"We hope to continue in the future, to keep it going so this festival gets bigger and bigger, keep it positive and safe for everybody," Green said.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Vital’: Alabama Juneteenth arts camp connects students to culture, community“As an African American youth growing up here, there was no access to art. But I realized that it was so vital to adults to see themselves as confident, as powerful, as capable, and to stimulate their creativity.”
Read more »
How to Celebrate Juneteenth: 5 Ways to Honor the Holiday With Family and FriendsJuneteenth is a cause for celebration.
Read more »
Houston Newsmakers: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on the road to celebration of Juneteenth, and moreToday on Houston Newsmakers: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee talks about the road to celebration of Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday. Also: TSU Juneteenth Committee establishes statewide website; Galveston art ambassador paints through history
Read more »
Juneteenth Celebrations Across San Diego CountySan Diegans are gathering and hosting events in celebration of Juneteenth. The holiday marks the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States.
Read more »
Look Ahead: Local events and things to do this week, June 19-25Look Ahead: This week, enjoy Juneteenth celebrations, a country-filled concert, and four NPR-friendly comedians.
Read more »