Juneteenth: A day of celebration, connection and conversation

Juneteenth: A day of celebration, connection and conversation

Published on June 16, 2026

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas and shared the long-delayed news that enslaved African Americans there were free - more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War.

Today, Juneteenth is a time to honor history, reflect on freedom and resilience and build stronger community connections.

The City of Lakewood invites residents to take part in this free community event on Saturday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Monte Verde Park.

Whether you come for the community dialogue, vendor show, children's activities or simply to celebrate together, Lakewood's Juneteenth event offers a meaningful way to honor history and connect with the community.

Juneteenth Celebration activities

Community Dialogue Session

The facilitated community dialogue will be led from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. by Marshall Goodman, former mayor of La Palma and current part-time lecturer of political science and public administration at CSULB.

Lakewood Interfaith Council Executive Director Dr. Candace Kelly, Lakewood City Manager Thaddeus McCormack and Lakewood Historian Emeritus Don Waldie will also serve as community dialogue panelists.

The community dialogue is designed to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment where participants of all backgrounds can come together to honor the significance of Juneteenth, engage in meaningful conversation, deepen their understanding of history and explore ways to strengthen community connections and empowerment.

Space is limited and advance registration is required for this portion of the event. (Recreation leaders will be available to supervise younger guests during the session.)

Register for the Community Dialogue (opens in a new tab)

For questions, registration help and accommodation requests, please call 562-866-9771, ext. 3123 or email [email protected].

Requests for disability-related accommodations are encouraged in advance when possible.

Black-Owned Business Vendor Fair

Residents can support Black entrepreneurship while exploring products, services and community resources offered by local businesses. The Vendor Fair is open throughout the event.

Library Craft Area and storytimes

From 10 a.m. to noon, families with young children can stop by the Library Craft Area, where County Library staff will offer Juneteenth-themed crafts and educational activities.

Two special children's storytimes will take place in the park amphitheater at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Free dance lesson

At noon, the celebration concludes with an all-ages, one-hour dance lesson led by D & B Dance Fitness, a local Black-owned business blending classic Western favorites with upbeat R&B and pop hits.

• Events & Activities