Newark
Juneteenth marks the day the last enslaved Americans received news of their freedom in Galveston Bay Texas on June 19, 1865. The day became a national holiday in 2021. Now it’s a day to remember that true freedom means freedom for all, and to celebrate the accomplishments of Black Americans. Cities and organizations around the Bay Area will be holding events on June 19 and the following weekend.
Newark will hold their Juneteenth on the day, at the Silliman Center, with music, games, arts and crafts, vendors and educational exhibits.
Newark Juneteenth
Thursday, June 19
Silliman Center
6800 Mowry Ave., Newark
Regional Parks
The regional parks will also be celebrating Juneteenth, with waived entrance fees to the parks and naturalist-led programs. At Coyote Hills naturalists will take a short walk through the marsh, discussing the accomplishments of Black individuals, especially in the realm of science and conservation. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required.
Juneteenth walk
Thursday, June 19
10 – 11:30am
Coyote Hills
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
ebparks.org
Hayward
In Hayward, youth organization Treasures Unleashed will hold a festival at Heritage Plaza downtown. Russell City Memorial Blues Band, West Coast Caravan of All Stars Review, Sounds Definition, and Eric Bli Bi will bring live music, and student dance groups Dynamic Dancing Cobras (Martin Luther King Middle School) and Monarch Soul Steppers (Mt. Eden High School) will keep the energy lively.
Treasures Unleashed I AM! Youth’s theatrical performance, “The Day of Jubilee,” tells the historical significance of Juneteenth. Attendees can also enjoy vendors from West Coast Makers and family activities by Hayward Area Recreation and Park District.
Hayward Juneteenth Fest
Saturday, June 21
2 – 6pm
Heritage Plaza
835 C. St., Hayward
hayward-ca.gov/community-events/juneteenth
Union City
Also on the weekend, Union City Library will hold a flag-designing class for Juneteenth, led by Rachel-Anne Palacios. Kids can learn how Juneteenth became a national holiday, and take inspiration from the flags of freedom. The program is for grade-school-age children. Ages five to seven will need a grownup helper; kids eight and up can participate on their own. All supplies are provided.
The Alameda County Library System also has a dedicated Juneteenth page with lists of celebrations around the Bay Area and book recommendations for readers of all ages. aclibrary.org/blogs/post/juneteenth-celebrating-freedom
Flag making class
Saturday, June 21
3:30 – 4:30pm
Union City Library
34007 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City
