In commemoration of Juneteenth, the San Bernardino Juneteenth Committee is hosting its second annual Juneteenth Celebration: A Celebration of Freedom; Stomp the Yard Edition,” on Saturday, June 17, at San Bernardino Valley College. San Bernardino Valley College is located at 701 N. Mt. Vernon Ave in San Bernardino. The event will be held from 10 am until 3 pm.

Founded by Edwin Johnson, (Committee President) and Co-founded by Lue Dowdy (Operations Director), the Celebration of Freedom Committee hopes to raise awareness about the Juneteenth holiday – celebrated nationwide every year on June 19 to acknowledge the emancipation of African Americans, to provide an understanding of the Black community’s past struggles and triumphs that continue to bring hope today.

Opening the day will be a libation ceremony led by Reverend Bronica Martindale and a song selection by Marla Matime.  Also performing live during the festivities will be Yaddida Page, Amore the Songstress, The Bromatics, D.D.C. and more!  There will also be an awards ceremony recognizing fathers within the community that have displayed excellence, leadership, and integrity.

There will be an educational seminar facilitated by Natasha McPherson, UCR History Professor and Ms. Tanya Humphrey, Chair of the Black Women’s Leadership Forum, with keynote Speaker Dina Walker, founder of BLU Educational Foundation.  The day will be hosted by DJ Muda with Co-host Jae Chanel.

The San Bernardino Juneteenth Committee has been a community effort by the following organizations; C.H.O.R.D.S, Sista’s Making a Difference, Young Visionaries, Lue Productions, San Bernardino Valley College, Inland Congregations United for Change, Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce -Inland Cities East Chapter, First 5 San Bernardino, Off The Chain Alliance, San Bernardino Pacesetters, 123 Mobile Training, San Bernardino (CA) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, The Conquerors Insurance Advocates for Families. SoCal Trash Army, Bryce Hudson, The MAR.M Agency, DGK, Empowering Girls Network, Dream Nycce, Jae Chanel Productions.

The Celebration of Freedom is an educational experience for all, regardless of race, age, and ethnic and cultural differences.