By Nicholas Ibarra | OBSERVER Staff Writer

juneteenth raised hands flag background
Courtesy of istockphoto

All listed events, and more, can be viewed online on The OBSERVER’s community events calendar at SacObserver.com.

  1. Author Talk and Book Signing with Dr. Marilyn Nelson – 6-7:30 p.m. Monday June 12, at Underground Books. Dr. Marilyn Nelson is an American poet and author/translator of more than 20 books and five chapbooks, from historical subjects to poetry for adults and children. A former Sacramento resident, Dr. Nelson is a graduate of Hiram Johnson High School and UC Davis, professor emeritus at the University of Connecticut, and the former poet laureate of Connecticut.
  2. Sacramento Juneteenth Celebration Reception – 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, at the California State Library Fragrance Garden. Join the annual celebration reception commemorating the date when Union soldiers led by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and proclaimed that the Civil War had ended and slavery was abolished. The event features awards and scholarships, special speakers, food, music and an exhibit.
  3. Rancho Cordova Juneteenth Celebration – 3-7 p.m. Friday, June 16, at Hagan Community Park. This event includes free music and performances by local artists and companies. There will be a Black-owned marketplace, musical guests, a DJ, dance teams, spoken word poets, food and more. Bring a chair and blanket. Come early; food is served while supplies last. Please invite your friends and your neighbors to join the celebration.
  4. Sacramento Juneteenth Festival – 6-9 p.m. Friday, June 16, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, June 17, and Sunday, June 18, at William Land Park. Friday night features a “Gospel Under the Stars”concert – two stages of live entertainment by Sacramento’s hottest bands. The rest of the weekend includes a talent show, food and ware vendors, fraternity and sorority step shows, guest speakers and more.
  5. Juneteenth Jubilee 2.5-mile run/walk – 8-10 a.m. Saturday, June 17, at William Land Park. Join the Greater Sacramento Urban League for this inaugural event, hosted by Sacramento Juneteenth in partnership with Black Men Run and Fleet Feet. Registration is free and open to youth and adults. Refreshments and swag will be given to all race participants.
  6. 20th Annual Juneteenth Parade – 10 a.m. Saturday, June 17, at William Land Park. This event, in association with the Sacramento Juneteenth Festival, helps kick off the weekend event. The parade features American history-themed floats, marching bands, drill teams, car and motorcycle clubs, fraternities, sororities and more.
  7. Juneteenth at Black Miners Bar – 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at Black Miners Bar. Join this second annual celebration honoring African American Freedom Day. This free, family-friendly event is open to all and honors the rich legacy, history and culture of the African American community.
  8. North Sacramento Juneteenth Event – 1-4 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at the North Sacramento Family Resource Center. This free family event features a free lunch (while supplies last), arts and crafts, activities, resources, games, raffles and more.
  9. Juneteenth at 40 Acres Block Party – 4-9 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at the 40 Acres Complex. The 40 Acres Art and Cultural Center in Oak Park is a cultural cornerstone in Sacramento and perfect location to celebrate the nationally celebrated Juneteenth holiday. Third Avenue and 35th Street will be shut down for the event. Bring a lawn chair to enjoy the full lineup of music, art and entertainment taking place on the main stage, or walk around to support local Black-owned street and food vendors, and take your kids to the designated kids zone for some fun interactive activities.
  10. Author Talk and Book Signing with Clinton Lanier – 6-7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at Underground Books. Join the Oak Park Brewery and Underground Books for a special collaborative event during the Juneteenth Block Party to present an author talk and book discussion featuring Clinton Lanier, as he discusses his book “Ted Mack and America’s First Black-Owned Brewery.” Clinton Lanier is an assistant professor of English at New Mexico State University. His writing about travel, history, food and drink has appeared in the Huffington Post, Eater and Fodors.
  11. SBCC Juneteenth Freedom Celebration – 5-7:30 p.m. Monday, June 19, at MIX Downtown. The Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce hosts this networking celebration to reflect on the connection between Mexico and Juneteenth. Hear from keynote speaker Tyrone Roderick Williams, chief executive officer of Fresno Housing, and learn about his unique connection to the holiday.
  12. 2023 California State Capitol Juneteenth Holiday Celebration – 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 19, at Capitol Mall. This event builds upon the federal Juneteenth holiday and takes a deep dive into slavery in California. Join us as we begin to discover our authentic California story at the intersection of our California Archives and California State Library, thereby restoring full dignity and respect for our California Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.