Scenes from Juneteenth parade in San Francisco

We love to see history come alive in San Francisco. The Juneteenth Parade on June 8th was a colorful tribute to African American culture and freedom.

The procession kicked off at Market and Spear Streets and vibrated with energy as participants marched, danced, and celebrated along the route. We spotted community leaders, performers, and dignitaries, including soul singer Goapele, poet and activist Tongo Eisen-Martin, rapper Stunnaman02, and the SF Jazz Ambassadors. Mayor London Breed led the festivities alongside state Sen. Scott Wiener.

The modest crowd exuded a sense of community and celebration. Events like these not only commemorate historical milestones but also serve as reminders of the work still needed to achieve true equity and justice.

Juneteenth traditionally takes place on June 19, commemorating the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas were finally informed of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. San Francisco celebrated early this past Saturday with a vibrant parade that concluded at United Nations Plaza, where the festivities happily continued.

You still have chances to celebrate the day when it arrives next week. Here are some event highlights:

1. Mayor London Breed’s Official Juneteenth Kickoff

When: June 14, 2024, 12:00 PM — 2:00 PM
Where: San Francisco City Hall, 1 Doctor Carlton B Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA

Join Mayor London Breed as she officially kicks off San Francisco’s Juneteenth celebrations with speeches from community leaders and live performances.

2. SF Black Wall Street Gala

When: June 14, 2024, 6:00 PM — 10:00 PM
Where: Black Cat, 400 Eddy Street, San Francisco, CA

Celebrate Black excellence and entrepreneurship with keynote speeches, awards, live music, and networking opportunities with influential Black business leaders. Indulge in a three-course soul food dinner prepared by Tease Southern Kitchen, as they honor the brilliance, hustle, and innovation of notable local Black entrepreneurs at our award ceremony.

3. Treasure Island Juneteenth Celebration

When: June 15, 2024, 12:00 PM — 6:00 PM
Where: Great Lawn, Avenue of the Palms, Treasure Island, San Francisco, CA

Head to Treasure Island for a day of live music, food vendors, and activities for all ages, with performances by local artists and historical exhibits highlighting Juneteenth.

4. Juneteenth SF Freedom Celebration

When: June 15, 2024, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Where: Fillmore District, Fillmore Street and Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, CA

The Fillmore District transforms into a vibrant festival with music, carnival games, a hair and fashion show, and more. Enjoy food and retail vendors, classic cars, and a performance by The Whispers.

5. Juneteenth Festival in the Bayview

When: June 16, 2024, 11:00 AM — 2:00 PM
Where: Bayview Opera House, 4705 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA

Enjoy a day of family-friendly activities, including live music, food trucks, art installations, and local vendors, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Bayview community.

6. SF Jazz Juneteenth Event

When: June 19, 2024, 7:30 PM — 9:30 PM
Where: SFJAZZ Center, 201 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Join SFJAZZ for a special Juneteenth concert featuring prominent jazz musicians, celebrating African American culture and the legacy of Juneteenth.

All photos by Denise Cottin, who is a San Francisco-based photographer and contributor to The Bold Italic. Saul Sugarman contributed words and event details.

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