Mill Valley To Hold Inaugural Juneteenth Celebration

MILL VALLEY, CA — Mill Valley will hold an inaugural Juneteenth Celebration this year, city officials said.

Juneteenth commemorates of the end of slavery in the United States.

The event will be held June 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mill Valley Depot Plaza.

The event will feature food and live entertainment.

“Mill Valley, in its commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has decided to host its first Juneteenth Celebration, entitled Freedom Festival. The Freedom Festival is a co-branded event between the City of Mill Valley with the Recreation Department in the lead and Mill Valley Force for Racial Equity & Empowerment (MVFREE),” a city staff report said.

“The event will involve a variety of different entertainment, food options and information booths regarding the City, MV-FREE and other organizations striving to promote a more diverse, equitable and inclusive Mill Valley, and Southern Marin. Currently, the Mill Valley Library is slated to participate, and we anticipate more City departments hosting a booth as well.”

The event is co-branded between the city of Mill Valley, the Recreation Department and Mill Valley Force for Racial Equity & Empowerment.

Juneteenth originated in Galveston, Texas in 1865 and last year was declared a federal holiday.

It was not until June 19, 1865, that Texas residents learned that slavery had been abolished by President Abraham Lincoln's signing of the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, and the former slaves immediately celebrated.

“Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement,” according to a description on the holiday’s official website.

“It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics, and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long overdue.

“In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.”