Long Beach celebrates an important day: Juneteenth

Juneteenth is an important date in American history. The day, which is short for June 19, marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed.

This came a full two-and-a-half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is one of, if not the longest-running African American holiday.

On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday.

Community members gathered at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center last Wednesday to celebrate together. City officials, city workers and residents alike came together to recognize the day.

“On Juneteenth, we commemorate and reflect on the plight of African American people, who endured the most vicious form of human bondage the world has ever known,” Natasia Hurd, the president and founder of Core United, Inc., which helped organize the event, said in a statement. “This pivotal moment in American history signifies the end of slavery and the enduring struggle for freedom and equality.”

Core United joined a plethora of other Long Beach community partners in holding the event. Other Long Beach groups included the Robert D. Gause Foundation, New Life Church, the North Park Crisis team, Long Beach Public Library, Buddy’s Lighthouse Inc., and the Martin Luther King Center, where it was held. The day also had some sponsors, including honorable Harvey Weisenberg, who frequently helps out the MLK Center, Major Auto Body, Hadrick Ray from HR Towing, James Hodge, and more.

“We have made a significant impact in fostering an inclusive and united community,” Hurd said. “Through this event, we deepened our understanding of our history and inspired collective action toward meaningful change. Core United, Inc. extends heartfelt thanks to everyone for their invaluable support and enthusiastic participation in this important initiative. We look forward to continuing our successful collaborations in the future.”