Event Recap: Juneteenth Celebration – Part I | WorldBeat Center Official Website

Thank you to everyone who joined us on June 19th for Part I of our Juneteenth celebration at WorldBeat Cultural Center. It was a full house and a powerful evening of culture, remembrance, and community.

We were honored to welcome representatives from the California Arts Council, San Diego Arts & Culture Commission, San Diego Art Matters, and the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership as part of their San Diego visit. Your presence and participation added meaning and momentum to this important occasion. We extend special appreciation to Danielle Brazell (CAC), Jonathon Glus (Arts & Culture Commission), Felicia Shaw (San Diego Art Matters), Peter Comiskey (Balboa Park Cultural Partnership) and colleagues from institutions in Balboa Park for standing with us in solidarity and support.

A special thank you to Leah Goodwin for presenting the letter from Governor Gavin Newsom, a gesture that deeply touched our audience and underscored the significance of this holiday.

We were also honored to host Chief Thomi Perryman, who gave an insightful presentation on the history and enduring legacy of the Black Seminoles, illuminating the connection between cultural survival and the fight for freedom. Our gratitude also goes to Tim Redbird and the Red Warriors for opening the event with blessings and ceremony, grounding the evening in Indigenous reverence and intertribal unity.

Together, we reflected on the historical roots of Juneteenth while celebrating the strength, resilience, and cultural richness of our communities. Thank you to all who made this evening unforgettable.