SAN PEDRO — The Juneteenth 400, a nonprofit organization presents its annual Juneteenth Celebration, June 14 to 19, in collaboration with the Port of Los Angeles, NAACP Branch 1069, SA Recycling, Economic and Workforce Development Department, Pacific Maritime Association, Water Replenishment District, YWCA, 99 cent Only Stores, Dr. Bryant Institute, ICHOR Strategies, The One Five (15th) District Councilmember Tim McOster, Harbor Gateway WorkSource Center, Women on the Waterfront, Port of Long Beach, ILWU Locals 13,63 and 94 as well as the City of Los Angeles.
Juneteenth is an annual commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States after the Civil War and has been celebrated by African Americans since the late 1800’s. Joe Gatlin, San Pedro resident and activist has hosted an annual Juneteenth Celebration from 2000 to 2018. In 2021, he founded the nonprofit Juneteenth 400 which now has expanded partnerships and collaborations to host the celebration which has attracted thousands of Angelenos to the Los Angeles Harbor area through the years.
Juneteenth 400 Festivities
This year’s festivities will feature a Dodger Stadium outing on June 14 for 100 youth from Los Angeles County to celebrate Black Heritage Night. The youth will receive an exclusive jersey, pay tribute to the rich history of Black Dodger players, and celebrate Black culture.
On June 15, festivities continue with a celebrity charity Domino Tournament at 2 p.m. on the Battleship Iowa. All proceeds will be donated to the Leukemia and Bone Marrow Registry.
For the first time, The LA Port of Los Angeles is opening its doors to job opportunities on the waterfront in partnership with Juneteenth 400. The Economic and Workforce Development Department Job Fair will happen from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 17. The festivities will also include a Family Style Picnic from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 17. Attendees are invited to utilize the grills at the park (first come) or bring their own to BBQ and to enjoy live entertainment by special guest artists, and games. The picnic and the job fair will be held at Wilmington Waterfront Park (corner of C and Figueroa streets, Wilmington).
The festivities will conclude on June 19 with two activities. First, the Korean Bell Preservation Committee will celebrate Juneteenth with a bell ringing ceremony from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.at the Korean Friendship Bell located at 3671 South Gaffey Street in San Pedro. This is the second year they will collaborate with Juneteenth 400 to show solidarity in support of liberty and justice for all. Second, from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Juneteenth 400 will host a Cruise around the harbor with a cannon and a firework display. (space is limited and registration is required)
All are invited and welcome to celebrate the above Juneteenth 400 free festivities.
Details: For additional information contact bmanuel4947@gmail.com.