San Francisco Sun

San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed, along with city and community leaders, will commemorate Juneteenth throughout June with a series of events celebrating Black freedom, resilience, and culture. Today, the second annual parade down Market Street will feature festive floats, live music, classic cars, marching bands, and many special guests.

“Juneteenth in San Francisco is a time for unity, joy, celebration, but also a time to reflect on all the things that Black people have had to endure throughout generations. As a city that represents many communities and cultures, it’s important that we share and learn from one another’s experiences and history,” said Mayor London Breed. “We look forward to welcoming the second annual Juneteenth Parade and the thousands of residents and visitors to enjoy our Downtown. San Francisco is a world-class destination, and this Juneteenth offers all of us the opportunity to honor the strength, spirit, and love that defines the spirit of our Black community.”

The parade will start at Market and Spear streets at 11:00 a.m. today and continue 13 blocks west along Market Street toward Civic Center Plaza. Community organizations including GLIDE, Homeless Children’s Network, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco, Collective Impact, and the San Francisco Housing Development Corporation will serve as block captains creating mini-celebrations along the nearly two-mile route.

The all-day family-friendly festival runs from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Civic Center Plaza featuring musical performances by local artists such as Larry June, Rapsody, Goapele, D’Wayne Wiggins, Stunnaman02, Martin Luther among others. Food and drink vendors will be available alongside games and community resources for attendees of all ages.

“To have this parade extend right through the heart of the City makes it clear that San Francisco is a place where Black people are celebrated, seen, and can experience joy,” said Sheryl Davis Executive Director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission. “San Francisco can offer space for everyone to experience this. I am grateful to all who have been working for many months to plan and deliver this year’s Juneteenth events... Special thanks to Silverback Events Production for partnering with community...”

Throughout June various celebrations featuring local Black-owned restaurants and artists will take place citywide. The Bayview Opera House will host weekly events highlighting Black arts in Bayview Hunters Point neighborhood. Additionally Mayor Breed's annual Juneteenth Celebration will occur on Friday June 14th at 12:00 p.m. at San Francisco City Hall featuring music dance spoken word performances.

“This is an opportunity for all of San Francisco to celebrate the strength resilience contributions of our city's Black community," said Supervisor Shamann Walton who has championed Dream Keeper Initiative from its inception supporting funding for its programming including this year’s Juneteenth celebrations.

“The committee planning this month’s events has dedicated many months of work led by community members with support from private sector City partners," said Rev Ishmael Burch longtime community organizer member SFC Juneteenth events planning committee.

“We are honored to have our grandfather Wesley Johnson remembered for his love shown his community,” said Dr Kevin Johnson Holly Johnson Friar grandchildren Wesley Johnson.

Tickets lineup festival musical performances can be found www.SFCJuneteenth.org Black owned businesses entrepreneurs highlighted via ShopDineSF www.sf.gov/shop-dine-sf www.sf.gov/1865-til-infinity through month June.

Planning partners include Sounds Bazaar San Francisco Housing Development Corporation OMI Cultural Preservation Project Afatasi Artist SF Black Wall Street Foundation Black Community Equity Group BlaCOEUR.