This year’s annual Juneteenth Celebration, themed “Still WE Rise,” goes virtual on Sunday, June 6 from 1:15-3:30 p.m. at https://tinyurl.com/yolojuneteenth2021. This family friendly event will be recorded in Davis on DCTV and will feature a variety of entertainment and educational presentations by people from around the region.

This year’s theme, “Still WE Rise,” was selected by Juneteenth organizers to inspire community members to think critically about the world they live in and that they can make a difference. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, does not coincide with the implementation of the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863, but instead the day when the Proclamation was finally enforced in Texas, June 19, 1865, finally freeing the population of enslaved African Americans in that state.

“This year’s theme is a call-to-action to remind us that united we can rise and make a difference in the areas of social justice, equity, equality and inclusion,” said Yolo County Library Regional Manager Scott Love.

The event will kick off with musical performances by Hisani Stenson, Mamadou Traore, and words of wisdom from UC Davis Chancellor, Gary May. The event’s featured speaker will be Master Quilter Khristel Johnson, who will show several of her visually stunning quilts. Each quilt is meticulously designed using African fabrics, beads, and textures that create a unique 3D effect and illustrates African American history through personal stories and significant events. Additional presenters include: JTL Productions with their annual fashion show; Keith Turk’s Kast Academy with an amazing dance performance; M’Ster Lewis with spoken word presentation; and renowned artist TheArthur Wright with his amazing works.

This event is a grassroots community effort offering everyone an opportunity to give back and celebrate. If you have questions, or want to support the event, contact Sandy Holman of the Culture C.O.-O.P. at: (530) 902-4534, sandy@thecultureco-op.com, or visit www.yolojuneteenth.org. Tax-deductible donations can be made on the website or by sending a check to the Friends of the Davis Library at P.O. Box 91, Davis, CA 95617.

Everyone is encouraged to visit: www.yolojuneteenth.org to support the sponsors and vendors who make this event possible. Vendors will each have links to their store, where they have items for sale online. This year’s Juneteenth is sponsored by the Yolo County Library, the Culture C.O.-O.P., the Friends of the Davis Public Library, the City of Davis Cultural Affairs Program, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, and Travis Credit Union. Additional sponsors include the UC Davis Office of Campus Community Relations, Yolo Federal Credit Union, and California Housing Finance Agency. This is a truly unique cultural festival for Yolo County, honoring freedom and the rights gained with it.