The annual Juneteenth festival in Berkeley was an outstanding success this Sunday! It was a beautiful day that brought together numerous families and individuals for a joyous celebration. The streets were alive with food booths, vendors, and vibrant music, creating a festive atmosphere for all.

“I enjoyed seeing all the live performances from the various groups- the parade, the people and little kids dancing and a rap performance about minimum wage and housing needs,” said Cynthia Chen, the treasurer at the League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville (LWVBAE).

“The music and food were fantastic,” said former Voter Service Director Pam White.

“The music was great! I saw people I hadn’t seen in a million years. It was wonderful because this year they had more African American food vendors.”

“I think it was one of the best ones. And the jazz was to die for. The young, the old, the Black, the white, the Asian. Everyone was jammin.”

Juneteenth is celebrated all over the country in commemoration of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It occurs on June 19th to mark the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to free the last enslaved people.

The League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville along with other civic organizations held a booth with amazing volunteers there throughout the day. Members actively engaged with community residents of all ages to talk to them about the organization, promote voting, and recruit new members. It was a wonderful experience!

Happy Juneteenth, everyone!

-Tenzing Chosang