The California Legislative Black Caucus hosted a free public Juneteenth celebration on the West Steps of the State Capitol on June 17, 2026. Shown from left are Asm. Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), Asm. Mike Gipson (D-Carson), California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, and her grandson, Kadir Gakunga. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

To kick off the holiday weekend, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) hosted its Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration on June 17 on the West Steps of the State Capitol.

Alongside other lawmakers in the Legislature, hundreds of people gathered for the free community event, which focused on reflection, community, and African American heritage.

“Juneteenth is more than just a commemoration of the past,” said CLBC chairperson Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego). “It’s a celebration of Black excellence, Black joy, and ongoing pursuit of equality and opportunity for future generations.”

The Juneteenth event featured live music from Oakland-born, Neo-Soul singer Goapele, Sacramento music producer and “NPR Tiny Desk” winner The Philharmonik, and the Grant Union High School Drumline.

Following the public concert, the celebration moved into the Capitol as the CLBC called on legislative colleagues to pass Senate Concurrent Resolution 183 (SCR183) to recognize the holiday officially.

The day after the public concert, CLBC members formally called on their legislative colleagues inside the Capitol to pass the resolution and officially recognize Juneteenth.

Assemblymembers and Senators delivered powerful remarks in honor of Juneteenth, with legislative leaders reflecting on emancipation and the ongoing pursuit of equality.

Juneteenth, a portmanteau that blends the words “June” and “Nineteenth,” is a holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It marks the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that the Civil War had ended and that formerly enslaved people were free.