Palm Springs to mark Juneteenth with a full weekend of events honoring Black history and culture

Palm Springs will observe Juneteenth with a series of community events spanning three days, as local organizations come together to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and honor the region’s Black history.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom — more than 2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed. The date is recognized across the country as Independence Day for African Americans.

The Palm Springs Black History Committee is presenting a Freedom Weekend lineup that opens Thursday, June 18, with a Juneteenth Kickoff at VillageFest in Downtown Palm Springs beginning at 5 p.m.

The celebration continues Friday, June 19, with a Juneteenth Unity Picnic at Downtown Park at 5 p.m.

The Coachella Valley is home to a deep and rich Black history shaped by the contributions, resilience, culture, and leadership of African Americans who helped build and influence the region across generations. The committee is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of Black pioneers, families, leaders, and changemakers whose impact helped shape the history of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley.

This year’s Freedom Weekend lineup will feature educational experiences, cultural activities, community engagement, food vendors, and live entertainment.

Saturday, June 20 brings two events. The Black History Committee will present a Juneteenth Youth Pageant at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center, 480 Tramview Road, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Ticket information is available here.

Earlier that afternoon, the Sunset Music and Education Foundation will present its Juneteenth Celebration as part of XOXO Palm Springs at Revolution Stage Company. The event runs from 2 to 4 p.m., with doors opening at 1:30 p.m. Admission is free, though tickets are required due to limited seating and are currently listed as sold out, but with a waiting list. Turn here for ticket information.

Award-winning actress, vocalist, poet, and storyteller Sweet Baby J’ai will host the SMEF event. J’ai also serves as CEO and Executive Artistic Director of the foundation.

“Music, art, storytelling, and dance have always carried our history forward,” J’ai said. “This gathering is about honoring where we’ve been, celebrating who we are, and creating space for community, culture, healing, and hope.”

The SMEF program includes powerhouse vocalist Keisha D, visual artist Bernard Hoyes, R&B vocalist Gennine Francis, artist and community leader Charles Huff, attorney and civic leader Anyse Smith, and educator and former college president Dr. Linda Oubré.

Open Call award winners Patan Huang, a young pianist, and Swara D’Souza, a young dancer, will also perform. Reverend Perry Lang, poet Doris Reed, and singer and pianist Yve Evans round out the program, which will also include an update regarding reparations for Section 14 survivors.

Master drummer Oneko will open the afternoon, with his rhythms and ancestral instruments setting the tone for the celebration.

Throughout the event, SMEF plans to present instruments to local youth through its SMARTS Initiative — Sharing Music, Accessing Resources, Transforming Students — in keeping with the organization’s mission to transform lives through music and the arts.

Sponsors for the SMEF celebration include Guitar Center Foundation, The Barker Foundation, Brothers of the Desert, The Mod Squad at Windermere Realty, Locs by Sarah, and Revolution Stage Company. Cocktails, wine, and other beverages will be available for purchase at the Revolution Stage bar.

---