By Dianne Anderson

Like never before, the Juneteenth tradition is proliferating across the nation to show the world that Blacks in America, despite the worst of times, are still on top, still creating, and still vibrant.

Since the celebration became a federal holiday two years ago, festivities are gaining momentum in the gathering, which Dwayne Shipp sees as a true testament to humanity.

For his event, all are invited, all races, nationalities and ethnicities, to support one of the longest running African American festivals of freedom and unity, and culture.

He said the event features some of the best local talent, music, dance, poetry, skits, history, vendors and family activities.

“We have a special covered seating area for the seniors, and one of the new things this year is our Health Village, which was carried over from our Black History Parade. This festival is to celebrate and empower our community, or as I like to say, OC is one community,” said Shipp, president of the Orange County Heritage Council, and Orange County Juneteenth event organizer.

On Saturday, June 17, the event runs from 11:00 a.m. To 6:00 p.m. at Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave., in Santa Ana.

History is in the spotlight, along with plenty of vendors and family fun activities, including a free car show, and four scholarships to be given this year to students.

“Juneteenth serves symbolically and in reality as a reference point from which to measure and appreciate the progress and contributions made by African-Americans, or American Africans to this society,” said Shipp, who also leads the Black History Parade founded by his mother, Helen Shipp.

He said the level and quality of Black contributions, even in Orange County, have been powerful and influential.

“We look at the spectacle of our creativity, of ingenuity and innovation as people across the globe, while educating others on how to change the narrative about Black history,” said Shipp.

Hosted by R&B Historian Tyrone DuBoise, the event also features performers and live entertainment, including Talib Kweli, Cherrelle, DJ Battlecat, Lighter Shade of Brown, and The Squad. Futa Toro is on African Drums. House DJ is Mike Smoove.

Rev. Jacqueline Thompson said their sorority will share their time-honored community favorites of Black history exhibits, books, pictures, and artifacts.

“It helps anybody that goes through our booth to understand the great contribution that Black folks have made to the U.S., and the world really,” said Thompson, first Vice President of the Orange County Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Her organization reaches out to host special programs to inform the community, and their exhibit at the Black History Parade is always well received.

“Especially the OC community really needs to be informed about the contributions that Black folks have made to society and any crisis that they’ve lived through. We want to spread the information,” she said.

Many people in the county, and the nation, are not aware of Black contributions to science, history, civic development, and inventions. Because critical race theory has provoked national resistance, she said Black children cannot learn their history in traditional school settings.

She feels it is one major reason that the Juneteenth celebration is valuable.

“There’s a resistance. We can see it in the lack of diversity in the curriculum. When we [exhibit at] the Black History Parade, we have the most interest, not just from the Black community, but teachers of all races. What I hear a lot is ‘This is amazing, that I didn’t realize this, I didn’t know that,’” she said.

On Sunday, June 18, BIPOC Orange County is partnering with the City of Irvine to present the second annual Freedom Celebration with live performances, organizations, local activities, food trucks, a Kids Village, and BIPOC marketplace. There is free parking on site. That event runs from 11:00 a.m. To 4:00 p.m., located at the Great Park Palm Court.

For information on the Orange County Heritage Council, see https://www.oc-hc.org

For the Irvine event, see https://irvinejuneteenth.com