Juneteenth celebrations take place all over the country, as well as all over the Southland, and hundreds of people gather to enjoy, as well as reflect on the importance of the holiday.

One of the events that attracted a lot of people was a party in Leimert Park.

“Juneteenth belongs to black people,” said Eliza Franklin, a student at UCLA. “This is our day and we should be able to celebrate and be liberated and be as free and as black as we want to be, we deserve it.”

Juneteenth is the day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. The block party in Leimert Park showcased the rich culture of the black community.

“Everything you see here comes from Ghana and is handmade or hand-stitched,” says Dedra Dixon, owner of the Ghana Connection.

Dixon said her collection is her way of bridging African culture through art and fashion in our home.

“I feel like more people need to know their culture as African American, we need to be more connected,” Dixon said.

Sunday’s events were part holiday, but also a moment to reflect on the country’s tragic history.

“It doesn’t really matter the day, it’s all about what raises awareness to make people aware of the injustices committed by those responsible on this planet,” said Baba Musolin, one of the people who visited Leimert Park on Sunday.

“I’m 64 years old and I’ve seen a lot of changes, and I’m excited that everyone can be here to reunite as one person rather than individually, so it’s very special to me,” said local pastor Keith Shepard.

For others, Juneteenth is just a formality and they hope to embody the spirit of what the day means in everyday life.

“Every day for me is Juneteenth,” said WL Jackson, co-owner of a company called Grandma’s Remedy.
“Juneteenth is just another day for us to really be around each other in a larger group and for us to really take the time to come and share our gifts and uplift each other and motivate each other.”

For those like UCLA student Franklin, Sunday’s event gave her the opportunity to enjoy her heritage and community without fear or concern.

“When I look around I feel great. You hear the drums and you feel it,” Franklin said. “It has something to do with being among black people and being in the element and not being controlled by your hair or the way you look or the way you’re dressed and just being able to socialize with each other.”

While many events have taken place this weekend, the federal holiday is recognized on Monday.