Soulful Sounds and Summer BBQ: Juneteenth Comes Alive in Carson

By Terelle Jerricks, Managing Editor

This year, the City of Carson is celebrating Juneteenth a day before Father’s Day, turning the entire weekend into the first barbecue holiday of summer. 

Since it became a federal holiday, Juneteenth is increasingly becoming known as Freedom Day, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Africans throughout the Americas. 

Of course, in the Black experience over the past 35 years, no cookout was a cookout without Hangin’ on a String, played by the band Loose Ends, blaring out the radio. The City of Carson and the Carson Citizens Cultural Arts Foundation went a step further and got Loose Ends’ original lead singer, Jane Eugene, to perform some of those greatest hits including Hangin’ on a String.

Greg Rose, a vocalist of the soul and R&B persuasion, is going to belt out some of the greatest standards of the past 40 years.

Guitarist Jubu Smith is going to be there. You’d know his guitar solo from the Tony! Toni! Toné! single, Just Me and You in the film Boyz in the Hood. Maybe if the crowd is nice, he’ll perform that cut and take you all back to the ’90s. If not that one, he’ll perform his guitar solos from Tony! Toni! Toné!’s Anniversary. 

Gee Mack & Asia Raye is a fun cover band that will hit all the right notes from soul to neo-soul. Asia Raye’s voice, stage presence and showmanship can out-shine any who come before or after her on stage. You should expect to hear cuts from Rose Royce to Erica Badu, and from Marvin Gaye to Jill Scott. 

Not all the music is going to be secular. Gospel artist Brent Jones is going to be performing singles from his self-titled album (2023), including Nothing Else Matters. Music lovers won’t be skipping any beats. If you have legs and feet you will be dancing regardless.  

Also showing up to perform are the Buckjump Brass Band, Demdebra West African Drum and Dance Ensemble, and DJ Alcatraz. 

The event will feature craft vendors, food, a Teen Fun Zone and entertainment for all ages.

Juneteenth Celebration 
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 15
Cost: Free
Venue: Mills Park, 1340 E. Dimondale Drive, Carson

Juneteenth San Pedro 
The San Pedro Committee Network’s annual Juneteenth celebration at Peck Park is happening again. This celebration of freedom stands as a powerful testament to the resilience, perseverance, and undying spirit of the African American community. Join in for a day of celebration with games, food, entertainment, prices, and the annual scholarship awards.
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 15
Cost: Free
Venue: Peck Park, 560 N. Western Ave., San Pedro

Juneteenth at King Park
In Long Beach, California, Juneteenth holds a special significance. As a diverse and vibrant community, Long Beach has its own unique history intertwined with the struggle for civil rights and freedom. From the early days of the Civil Rights Movement to the present, Long Beach has been a beacon of hope and progress for marginalized communities.

This day will be filled with joyous festivities, cultural performances, music, food, and opportunities to reflect on the journey toward freedom and equality. Everyone is invited to come together in unity and solidarity to honor our shared history and to continue the fight for justice and equality for all. Let’s celebrate freedom, diversity, and community at this special event in Long Beach.

Time:  9 a.m. to 6 p.m.. June 22nd, 2024
Cost: Free
Venue: MLK Park in Long Beach