*(Los Angeles, CA) – Juneteenth 2025 fell on Thursday, June 19. Many events were planned around Los Angeles and beyond. Some events were held on Saturday, June 14, as well as Saturday, June 21, 2025.
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day and/or Emancipation Day is a federal holiday commemorating the freedom of slaves in the United States. Juneteenth short for June nineteenth was celebrated in different ways across the United States.
On any given weekend, Leimert Park is buzzing with excitement and energy. Guests stroll up and down Degnan Blvd to browse and shop at the brick-and-mortar businesses. People are also able to connect and engage with the artisan vendors in the African Marketplace. They can participate in a drum circle and satisfy their taste buds with a smorgasbord or ethnic food cuisine.
The number of guests and vendors increased tremendously on Juneteenth in Leimert Park. Leimert Park looked like the United Nations. A huge diverse, multicultural crowd in the thousands was in attendance for the annual Leimert Park Juneteenth Celebration. This was a free, family-friendly event consisting of a day of reflection, education, and celebration, for all to enjoy.
The Leimert Park Village Merchants Association presented the largest and most vibrant Juneteenth celebration in Los Angeles. This annual event honors the legacy of freedom and the enduring strength of Black culture and community in the heart of historic Leimert Park Village.
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Leimert Park Village has long been a cornerstone for Black art, music, business, and activism. This cultural landmark continues to be where generations gather to celebrate identity, resilience, and heritage.
Hosting Juneteenth in Leimert Park carries a deep significance—it serves as both a commemoration of emancipation and a living tribute to unity and progress.
“Hosting Juneteenth in Leimert Park is deeply meaningful for our community. It’s a time for Black people to celebrate our culture, unity, and history—but it is also an invitation for all communities to come together in harmony. While many young people may not fully know the history of Juneteenth due to gaps in education, this celebration offers a powerful way to reconnect, honor our roots, and show the next generation the strength of the village. We welcome everyone to join us in this vibrant expression of culture, joy, and togetherness.” Said Queen Aminah, Head of the Leimert Park Village Merchants Association.
This year’s theme for the Leimert Park Juneteenth Celebration is “Black Family Reunion.” You could witness a display and feel the community’s love: hugs, fist bumps, and kisses were all over the village, along with smiles, laughter, and jubilance.
A highlight of the celebration was the Wellness and Health Pavilion tent organized by and facilitated by Dr. Cherilyn Lee, who serves as the lead speaker. Dr. Samuel Peters III delivered a keynote speech. Attendees were able to meet some of the community’s top holistic practitioners, herbalists, and nutritionists. The pavilion offered health screenings, mental health information, and comprehensive wellness resources.
The celebration ran from 11:00 am-7:00 pm and featured cultural programming and entertainment for all ages. Guests enjoyed food booths, a bounce house, arts and crafts, musical acts, and hundreds of vendors.
Wrekles Watson served as emcee. Welcome remarks came from Councilwoman Heather Hutt, Council District 10. Councilwoman Hutt’s leadership played a vital role in the success of the Leimert Park Juneteenth Celebration.
The day began with the S.H.I.N.E. Muwasi drum circle and Libation ceremony to bless the festivities. The program featured DJ sets in between performances and speeches.
The show continued with a men’s drum circle. Balle Fetti Bu Senegal kept the momentum up with some amazing drumming from Senegal. The group is led by Dethie “Pape” Diouf, affectionally called Papa.
Our international journey continued in Jamaica. Singer and songwriter Smileyi accompanied by DJ Nyce entertained the crowd with soulful sounds of reggae. Smileyi performed “Capture Yo Whole Mine,” “It Catch Up,” “Jah World,” “I Man Never Born Ya,” “Make Some Noise,” and “Hot So.”
Kenny Allen, founder and lead vocalist of The Whispers Experience was up next. Mr. Allen did justice as he performed an expanded musical journey into the career of the legendary Kings of Romance, The Whispers. Kenny Allen performed “The Beat Goes On,” “Olivia,” “Keep on Loving Me,” and “Rock Steady.”
Wadada brought on a grooving set of roots, rock, and reggae with a dash of soul. The band performed “Unidentified Object,” “Don’t Push Me,” “Spirit is the Middle of my Soul,” “Putting up Resistance,” “United States of Africa,” and “Love Me Jah.” This tight band consists of Wadada on bass, Dewayne on keyboards, Reggae drums, and Scrap on percussions.
Sole Folks teamed up with a couple of talented, creative designers for a memorable fashion show. Manny Jackson of ThreadhausGo showcased some of his wearable art.
John Born captivated everyone’s attention during live body art on a beautiful model. Guests took pictures and recorded videos as the whole process was unveiled before our very eyes.
The World Stage All-Stars brought to the stage the big, phat sounds of America’s number 1 art form: JAZZ! The group opened their set with “Manteca” by Chano Pozo and Dizzy Gillespie. They continued with “Nancy Joe” by Gerald Wilson. Amita Delone joined the band to sing “Late in the Evening,” and “La Costa” a selection by Natalie Cole. The band continued with “Moanin’ by Charles Mingus, “Milestone” by Miles Davis, Moving West Part 2” by Wes Montgomery, and “Night in Tunisia” by Dizzy Gillespie.
The program continued with some more jazz. The Fernando Pullum Community Jazz Band is keeping the torch of jazz alive with these talented youth. The celebration continued until 7:00 pm.
Ricky Richardson is a Southern California based writer, music reviewer and photographer. contact him via: [email protected]
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