Stockton Juneteenth

Juneteenth is following the commercial tradition of America. The authentic legacy of Slavery in the United States remains an open secret. Slavery in Texas was not limited to Galveston Island, nor freedom at one plantation, yet the symbolic actions of General Granger and the US Colored Troops who enforced his General Field Order #3 has grown to become a major US Holiday, in the tradition of Cinco de Mayo, Columbus Day, Saint Patrick's Day, Easter and other misunderstood commercialized marketing opportunities. In the midst of a community party will be authentic Juneteenth history and information towards "A New Way Forward, Healing What Is Hurting Our Communities."


The 2013 Stockton Juneteenth Organizing Committee is putting all the pieces together for a past, present and future puzzle this special 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, honoring our journey towards freedom.

More than a dozen performers and speakers are slated to converge Saturday at the Taft Community Park for a full day of education and entertainment. Everyone is invited to come celebrate at our free family friendly community event.

A full day of activities are planned from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., around the theme, “Looking Back To Move Forward.”

“Last year, we were able to make the event even bigger by partnering the African American Chamber of Commerce, Stockton Black Leadership Council and a few agencies within San Joaquin County guided by the event chair Terrance West, Director of Taft Community Center,” said Khubaka, Michael Harris. “We expect a very large crowd with probably around 3,000 – 4,000 people throughout the day on Saturday.”

The event will kick off at 10 a.m. with a Juneteenth Educational Workshop led by Geraldine Hollis, Rev. Willie Douglas, and Tommie Muhammad.

Hundreds of Stockton youth are expected to gather and learn about the authentic history, including Slavery in Stockton, California/Texas History, and U.S. Colored Troops in the Civil War, free barbecue and knowledge is the reward for early arrivals.

The best part about this year’s event is the ongoing demonstration of community unity that different organizations have showcased working together for a common goal, with the growing support from National, State, Regional and Local elected officials, including Stockton civic and business leaders.

Events will be held inside Taft Community Center, Taft Community Park and Taft Botanical Gardens.

U.S. Representative Jerry McNerney, State Senator Cathleen Galgiani, Assemblymember Susan Eggman, Stockton Councilmember Michael Tubbs and other elected officials are helping to support the growth and expansion of Stockton Juneteenth. Together, we can showcase amazing opportunity for growth and development surrounding the Taft/Mosswood community of South Stockton, California.

Dozens of food, commercial arts and crafts vendors organized by the African American Chamber of Commerce will be available and while the Sankofa Community Marketplace will showcase “Art and Agriculture,” Slavery in Stockton, California, Our Journey Towards Freedom.

Our hope is that the broader Stockton community will join us on Saturday, June 15 and participate in our planned activities, our mission is to educate the public on what Stockton Juneteenth is really all about.

This 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation we pay special honor to the US Colored Troops and all service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today. Freedom in America is not free...