“Let’s Talk About Juneteenth”

“Let’s Talk About Juneteenth”: California Leaders Celebrate “Foundational” Legacy of American Holiday

Tanu Henry | California Black Media

Elected officials in California, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), last week commemorated Juneteenth, a holiday recognized each year to mark the end of slavery in the United States.   

Juneteenth, long celebrated in various Black communities in California and across the United States, was enshrined into law in 2021 as a federal holiday by former President Joe Biden.  

“There was no pathway of immigration to this country for Black Americans. We didn’t emigrate to this country. We were stolen and brought to this country,” said Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles), vice chair of the CLBC, on the floor of the Assembly on June 20. 

Bryan made the statement as he urged his colleagues to vote for Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 90 introduced by fellow CLBC member Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) and the other members of the CLBC. 

“Immigration was a pathway for people,” continued Bryan. “We were thought of as property — chattel property to be bought, sold and traded, and raped and maimed, and so much else.” 

Bryan reminded the California Assembly that there were 14 generations of Black Americans who were enslaved in the United States. 

“For 160 years, we’ve been celebrating Juneteenth. That’s not nearly as long as we were enslaved in this country. The original Juneteenth flag is red, white and blue. Black Americans are foundational to the building of this country. There is no America without folks who were enslaved,” added Bryan who titled his Juneteenth post on BlueSky, “Let’s Talk About Juneteenth.” 

Bryan seemed to be making an implied reference to the federal government’s pronounced silence on the Juneteenth holiday this year. There was no official proclamation from the White House and no statements issued from agencies or departments, a departure from past acknowledgments of Juneteenth – even before it became an official holiday. 

“I am honored to present ACR 90,” said Gipson, “a resolution recognizing a day of profound historic significance.

Juneteenth, celebrated each year on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free — more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The news, delivered by Union General Gordon Granger, arrived late but brought the promise of long-overdue liberation to those enslaved people in Texas.

On Juneteenth, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation signed by him and Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber. 

“July 4 is not the only day America celebrates its independence,” the Governor’s proclamation began. 

“Thousands of enslaved people were finally freed, more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Over the next several decades, Black Americans who journeyed out of the South in search of better lives brought Juneteenth celebrations with them. The thousands who settled in California, especially in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, taught our state that America’s struggle for freedom did not end in 1776 or 1865, but continues to this day,” the Governor’s statement continued. “California is proud to recognize Juneteenth as an official state holiday.”

Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) spent the day attending various events in her district. 

“I had a wonderful time celebrating Juneteenth across our community,” she said. “From the vibrant energy at the La Mesa Juneteenth celebration to the incredible music and culture at the North Park Juneteenth, it was a joy to be surrounded by so much Black excellence and unity.”

State Controller Malia Cohen said she is proud to be “a part of a new generation of leaders turning remembrance into real action.” 

 “I reflect not just on the delayed news of emancipation in 1865, but on the continued delays in justice and equity that Black communities still face. Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is not a finish line — it’s a commitment,” she wrote on Facebook.

On the Assembly floor, Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton) said, “Thanks to the passion and sacrifices of those who came before me that I have the privilege to stand before you today advocating on behalf of our people and urging that we continue to recognize our legacy.” 

Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) said, “We all must use Juneteenth as a way to celebrate liberation and to ensure that future generations are not born in the shadows of discrimination, anti-Blackness, hate, racism and xenophobia.”

Assemblymember LaShae Sharp Collins (D-San Diego) asked all Californians to renew their commitment to advocacy and the fight for justice. 

“I think about everything that is going on right now in this nation,” said Sharp Collins. “Celebrate (Juneteenth) – meaning reaching back to look forward. Renew your commitment to defend our freedoms, to honor our history and continue to fight for what was promised to all of us.” 

On Instagram, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass posted, “Today, we celebrate freedom, resilience, and the ongoing fight for true justice throughout this country.”