Juneteenth to Allegiance: March with us to City Hall!

This is a youth-led peaceful march that will commemorate Juneteeth, an annual celebration marking the formal end of slavery in the U.S. as well as highlight the story of Louden (London) Nelson, an education advocate and one of Santa Cruz’s first black residents in the 1850s.

Then march to Santa Cruz City Hall for a speak out where there will be a wide range of speakers from the community sharing their experiences with systemic racism in Santa Cruz. The intention of the event is to celebrate Juneteenth, provide platform for Black voices, get to know one another, and get inspired to take active steps towards bringing more Peace and Solidarity in the Community.

The march will begin in front of the Louden Nelson Center (Center & Laurel) at 5:45 PM, then proceed down Center Street. Speak-out in front of City Hall 6:15 - 7:30 PM.

Program includes music, youth speakers, poetry, formerly unhoused perspective, Reverend Deborah Johnson, and Amah Mutsun Tribal Chair Val Lopez.

We are requesting everyone attending WEAR A MASK and MAINTAIN 6 FT. DISTANCE from one another. Hand sanitation will be provided. Please be respectful. This is a nonviolent demonstration organized by youth, not sponsored by any organization.

For questions or to volunteer email: thairie.ritchie [at] yahoo.com
Instagram: @thairieritchie