The Leimert Park Juneteenth Family Reunion Celebration

Community News — By Buddy Sampson on June 21, 2025 at 2:23 am

Juneteenth- A Symbol of Pride in the Black Community

By Buddy Sampson

Juneteenth, a nationally celebrated holiday, commemorating the release of African-American slaves on June 19th, 1865 was celebrated in cities across the United States, including in Los Angeles, California.

At Leimert Park, where many viable and lucrative Black businesses reside, a Juneteenth event, the Leimert Park Juneteenth Family Reunion Celebration took place, and it was a grand celebration of a great moment in American history.

43^rd and Degnan street, had many booths in the blocked off streets in the area, and featured food, celebration and live music. The event was sponsored by Councilwoman Heather Hut and the Leimert Park Village Merchants Association.  Queen Aminah, President of the Merchants Association and a successful entrepreneur that owns several businesses in the area,  including Queen Aminah’s Cultural Clothing, was the Event Coordinator for the event. It was a grand celebration of Black history. “It’s important that we continue our culture, our legacy and our history and it’s important that we come together in unity and family and we won’t let anyone distract us with nonsense and noise and continue to do what we do as a people,” said Queen Aminah. “We have to continue to have events and festivals, continue having our music and our culture, talk about it and continue to stand strong. When everyone else is weak, we have to stand strong, because we are the example today.”

But what is Juneteenth?

• Historical Context:

While the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved people were free. This was the final, effective end of slavery in the United States, particularly in the Confederate states.

• Significance:

Juneteenth is a day of celebration and reflection on the end of slavery and the long struggle for freedom and equality for African Americans. It is a time to remember the resilience and perseverance of those who were formerly enslaved and to acknowledge the ongoing fight for racial justice.

• Federal Holiday:

Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

• Celebrations:

Juneteenth celebrations often include cultural events, community gatherings, educational programs, and historical reenactments. Red foods and drinks are also a common part of the festivities, symbolizing the bloodshed and resilience of those who were enslaved.

For many of you that need further explanation, here’s an excerpt from the ABC TV show “black-ish,” as explaining in music by The Roots.

From ABC, Shah Wonders, Aloe Blacc and The Roots.

Seen at the celebration was a prominent filmmaker, who responded when asked about funding for the festival. “It’s been embraced and powered by the people,“ said Ava DuVernay, a filmmaker who was mum about a new project she’s working on. “It’s really a beautiful thing to see.” Also at the event were several politicians, including Andre Spicer, Councilman District 2, City of Compton. He addressed the audience about the importance of support and economic independence for the Black community.

 

 

 

 

The Leimert Park Juneteenth Family Reunion Celebration is fully funded by the community. “We have the richest nation in the nation. We just don’t know it. We have millionaires and billionaires in our community that can give $20,000 or $30,000 to put on an event like this. We just have to continue to do what we do. We’re never going to stop. We rise.”

Indeed. With the leadership and economic power of the Black community, Juneteenth is a symbol of a people that refuse to quit, even as racism continues to rise in the United States. Support Black business and support Black businesses in Leimert Park. Leimert Park is a source of Black economic prowess in Los Angeles and all communities are welcome to enjoy this culturally rich community in Los Angeles. Juneteenth is a proud symbol of pride in the Black community.

Tags: ABC, African American History, Black economic power, Black Excellence, Black independence, Black pride, black-ish, Entertainment, Juneteenth, Leimert Park, The Scoop LA_The LA Scoop