By Dianne Anderson

Empowerment to the people is energizing block parties, family and friend reunions, packing community fairs with flair.

It all means that Juneteenth is in full swing.

Performers on stages are set to show out, food trucks are filled with good eats, and never forget the time-honored cultural traditions.

Vickie Davis said Juneteenth Jam began as a pathway to community building, opportunity, and healing.

Although it’s held in Rialto, the regional celebration is powered by hundreds of dedicated volunteers, community organizations, businesses, artists, educators, faith leaders, and residents who come together to create something meaningful for their families.

“Most importantly, Juneteenth Jam is about honoring freedom while investing in the future. It reminds us that community progress happens when we work together. We hope attendees leave not only having enjoyed a great celebration, but also feeling connected to the people, organizations, and opportunities that continue strengthening our community long after Juneteenth has passed,” said Davis, organizer, and Davis, Juneteenth Jam Founder.

On Friday, June 19, 2026, Rialto Juneteenth Jam runs from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., held at Fergusson Park, located at 2395 W. Sunrise Drive in Rialto.

This year, they’re mixing it up with celebration of Black culture, and the next generation of Inland Empire leaders, along with interactive games, art installations, youth sports competitions, basketball camps, a women’s 3-on-3 tournament, and 3-point shootouts. Attractions also feature live music, cultural performances, educational exhibits, and the Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Program.

From local businesses and entrepreneurs, health and wellness resources, financial literacy, educational opportunities, family activities, there’s something for everyone.

She said the spotlight is also on their year-round efforts in economic development, youth engagement, education, health equity, community wellness, and public safety. One primary goal is supporting Black families, entrepreneurs, and youth with free access to resources, education, recreation, culture, and economic opportunities.

Partnerships are also stronger with Black-led organizations, community advocates, businesses, and grassroots leaders throughout the Inland Empire, while live music, cultural performances, and educational exhibits provide the fun factor.

“As a therapist, community leader, and mother, I’ve learned that people thrive when they feel connected, valued, and supported. Juneteenth Jam was created to bring those experiences together in one place and remind us of the power we have when we show up for one another,” said Davis, LMFT, and San Bernardino County Workforce Development Commissioner.

In Riverside, The B.L.A.C.K. Collective’s Juneteenth Celebration at Hunt Park features over 50 vendors, many Black-owned, with booths offering job and education resources, health, workforce development, civic engagement, and family services. The community can turn out for fun, music, and food while connecting with vendors and resources.

But it’s all easier said than done. It is hard work.

For six years, Denise Booker said that her family along with a small group of dedicated volunteers have spent months securing permits, raising funds, recruiting vendors, coordinating logistics, and meeting extensive event requirements.

“Much of that work happens behind the scenes and is fueled by a commitment to ensuring our community has a space where it can gather, celebrate, and grow,” said Booker, founder and program director of the program.

“This event is truly community-driven. Our programming is shaped by local entrepreneurs, artists, faith leaders, educators, performers, activists, and community volunteers who contribute their talents and perspectives throughout the year,” she said.

The B.L.A.C.K. Collective’s 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration breaks out on Saturday, June 21 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., held at Hunt Park, 4015 Jackson St. in Riverside.

They also run a year-round civic support operation for Inland Empire Black residents to support entrepreneurship, leadership development, economic empowerment, civic engagement, and community advocacy.

“This year’s Juneteenth theme, ‘Passing the Torch,’ is personal for Booker, who, after six years of organizing Juneteenth celebrations, is stepping back. She is handing off the event to the next generation of leaders who helped build it alongside her.”

The decision came from a place of honesty, she said. Community work is rewarding, but it is also exhausting.

While the public sees a successful event, she said they rarely see the months of fundraising, permit applications, sponsorship requests, meetings, late nights, and personal sacrifices required to make it happen.

“Juneteenth reminds us that freedom was never handed to us. It was fought for, protected, and passed forward. This year’s Passing the Torch ceremony reflects that same principle. Leadership is not about holding on forever. It is about preparing others to continue the work. We are proud of what has been built, grateful to everyone who has supported the journey, and hopeful about what comes next,” she said.

Also in Riverside, on Friday, June 19, The Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California will host its “Rhythm in Action: A Celebration of Juneteenth” from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 3933 Mission Inn Ave., Suite 103, Riverside.

Storytelling, music, and culture are linked to the broader civil rights goals in the Inland Empire, and provide health, civic engagement, and family support resources.

“This celebration ties directly to larger civil rights goals for our region by fostering genuine connection, community, and cultural understanding,” said Sabrina Gonzalez, executive director of the Institute.

Local organizations including Anti-Racist Riverside, the City of Riverside Human Relations Commission, EmpowerYouEdutainment, and the Black Arts Museum, will table flyers, educational materials, and resources to elevate and support the community.

“Together, we work intentionally to ensure that Juneteenth is not treated merely as a ‘day off,’ but rather as a meaningful ‘day-in,’ a dedicated space for our community to actively learn, engage, and celebrate the vital historical and contemporary contributions of Black individuals,” she said.

Children can get hands-on at the Kids’ Craft Corner from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., led by the Black Arts Museum and supported by a Riverside Main Library artist. Then, the focus shifts from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to the main program and a musical showcase presented by EmpowerYouEdutainment, now celebrating its fourth year partnering with the Institute.

Beyond the holiday, Gonzalez said the Institute provides ongoing community support around voting rights, police accountability, and economic justice.

“Operating as a true ‘third space,’ our facilities serve as a safe haven for discussion and a launchpad for community action. Today, the Diversity Center proudly hosts more than 125 community organizations at over 250 events per year, cementing our role as a regional hub for equity, connection, and progress,” she said.

For more information:

– Juneteenth Jam (Rialto) https://www.strongertogethernow.online/

– The Black Collective (Riverside) https://www.instagram.com/theblackcollective.co/

– Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California https://www.inlandcivilrights.org/

– AntiRacist Riverside https://www.antiracistriverside.com/

– EmpowerYouEdutainment https://empoweryouedutainment.org/

– The Black Arts Museum (The BAM) https://www.the-bam.org/

– City of Riverside Human Relations Commission https://www.riversideca.gov/