Here's Where To Celebrate Juneteenth In The South Bay

Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates the day in 1865 when word finally reached the last enslaved people in Texas that the Civil War had ended, and they were free. It was more than two months after the end of the Civil War, and about two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation,

Also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day and Jubilee Day, the June 19 holiday is the oldest-known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation making it a federal holiday, the first since the addition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.

Here are some events in South Bay highlighting Black culture this week:

• Manhattan Beach 2025 Juneteenth Ceremony (June 19 at Bruce's Beach Park) — The ceremony, which is free and open to the public, will honor Black culture, reflect on history and celebrate community, according to city officials. The ceremony will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Reserve a spot here.
• Juneteenth DJ Showcase (June 19 at Gardena City Hall Lawn) — The DJ showcase will feature music, activities, vendors and food trucks. "Join us in celebrating Juneteenth with a DJ showcase featuring some of the South Bay's Top Disc Jockeys," Gardena city officials said in a statement on social media. The event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m.
• Black in Mayberry Juneteenth Festival (June 21 at El Segundo Recreation Park) — The annual festival will feature live music, art exhibitions and family-friendly activities honoring African American culture. "This event brings together the South Bay community to commemorate emancipation and promote cultural awareness," according to the event's organizers. The event will take place from noon to 6 p.m.
• Juneteenth Celebration and Concert in Manhattan Beach (June 22 at Polliwag Park) — The "vibrant" community festival will feature live music, a poetry slam and food vendors, such as Chronic Tacos and Dilan’s Caribbean Grill, according to city officials. Get tickets to the event here. The event will take place from 2 to 7 p.m.

Some towns and cities are scaling back Juneteenth celebrations — or canceling them altogether — due to concerns about violating the Trump administration’s executive orders banning diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives

Trump’s executive orders don’t cancel the federal holiday — Congress created it and only Congress can repeal it — but civil rights groups contend the DEI bans are having a chilling effect on Juneteenth. They argue the bans undermine the principles of equality and equal opportunity that Juneteenth represents.

Organizers of some events across the country say they’re having trouble landing their usual corporate sponsorships from businesses and organizations working to comply with DEI executive orders. Many of these companies have contracts directly with the government or receive indirect federal funding through contracts with nonprofits that provide services, such as workplace diversity training. Or, they may simply have shifted priorities due to the politics of DEI.

• Related: How DEI Bans Are Affecting 2025 Juneteenth Celebrations

Because Juneteenth is an official U.S. holiday, banks, federal offices and post offices in The South Bay will be closed. May California, Los Angeles County and local government offices will be closed as well.