Lancaster, CA. June 14, 2023 - On June 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the City of Lancaster and community partners are hosting the second annual Lancaster Juneteenth Celebration, “The Community’s Family Reunion.” The free event is open to all and will be held at one of the City’s premiere gathering spaces: Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park (43063 10th Street West, Lancaster, CA 93534). The Community’s Family Reunion will bring together local businesses,

organizations, and community members throughout the Antelope Valley to celebrate freedom, spread hope, and nurture unity.

This family reunion-style event will include a morning worship service, educational programming on the history of Juneteenth, food, music, entertainment, dancing, games, a car and bike show, and more family-friendly fun. Bringing blankets, lawn chairs, and matching family t-shirts is encouraged!

“Our upcoming Juneteenth celebration is a joyous occasion to embrace the power of unity and solidarity, celebrate freedom, and strengthen our dedication to justice and equity for all Lancaster residents,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “We’re committed to building a community that is welcoming to diversity, education, and connection. All of those attributes have shaped this event.”

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865—the date that enslaved people in the last Confederate state learned of their freedom. That day in Galveston, Texas, followed by the passage of the 13th Amendment, officially marked the end of slavery in the United States. Following the emancipation of enslaved people, Black Americans reconnected with family through reunions. These gatherings, which inspired the theme for this year’s Juneteenth celebration, have continued to unite communities, foster fellowship, spread knowledge, and celebrate one’s heritage.

The Lancaster Juneteenth Community Partnership, which consists of residents, organizations, businesses, and the City of Lancaster, plans the City’s annual Juneteenth celebrations. The partnership is dedicated to educating the community about the importance of Juneteenth and Black History as American History.

Learn more about the event at the City of Lancaster’s Juneteenth webpage: www.cityoflancasterca.gov/Juneteenth.