Guest Opinion | Mayor Victor Gordo: Learn American History

As mayor, I encourage all of us to recognize and understand the significance not only of Juneteenth, but of our American history that has led us to where we are today.

We acknowledge our past and now we work towards a future that unites us with respect and appreciation.

I want to thank the countless supporters, organizers and attendees of Juneteenth celebrations, especially our local ones who are writing the history of our great community.

Juneteenth commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States. Two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, the news reached Texas. Upon learning of the abolition of slavery, the former slaves began to celebrate with prayer, feasting, song, and dance. We now recognize it as a day to reflect and celebrate African American history and culture.

I hope you’ll join the City of Pasadena and Pasadena’s Black History Month Committee for our 14th  annual Juneteenth celebration Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena.

This free, family-friendly Juneteenth celebration will feature drummers and dancers from the Alkebulan Cultural Center, live music provided by Luv From Abuv, spoken word performed by Pasadena City College students, arts and crafts with Armory Center for the Arts, line dancing, inflatable games and much more. Free hotdogs, drinks and snacks will be available while they last and three food trucks will provide food for purchase.

Representatives from five historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) — Hampton University, Howard University, Morehouse College, Paul Quinn College and Tuskegee University, and two local higher education institutions, Pasadena City College and Pacific Oaks College, will be on site providing enrollment information.

Additionally, My TRIBE Rise and supporting organizations will present DENA Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom on June 18th from 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 2283 Fair Oaks Ave., Altadena.

Come meet new friends or reconnect with old ones as we celebrate Juneteenth!

Mayor Victor Gordo