Cal State Monterey Bay joins local Juneteenth celebrations

By Walter Ryce

Juneteenth, which commemorates June 19, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation was finally enforced in the slavery holdout state of Texas, became the newest federal holiday in 2021. 

But it’s long been celebrated in Black communities throughout the United States as another Independence Day.

The Cal State University system is hosting a virtual symposium in celebration of Juneteenth from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, June 11. Members of the campus community can join virtually or meet in person for a free live watch party in the Otter Student Union Ballroom for the CSU’s Juneteenth 2026 Symposium. 

It’s intended to bring together campus and community members to honor history, reflect on equity and justice, and enjoy each other’s company over food and drinks, and live screen printing activities. The watch party is in-person, but the symposium can also be livestreamed via a link that will be shared after the required registration is completed. 

In addition, campus community members are invited to join the Monterey County Black Caucus (MCBC) for this year’s seventh annual Juneteenth Monterey County celebration, which begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at Laguna Grande Park in Seaside. The event is supported by the City of Seaside and CSUMB contributes financially to the MCBC Juneteenth celebration, the Helen Rucker Center for Black Excellence promotes it widely, and CSUMB alumni who are part of the MCBC devote lots of time and effort to make it happen. 

Though it comes from the painful and immoral legacy of slavery in America, and historical remembrance is at its core, it’s celebrated with jubilation and welcome. 

Da’ja Robinson is CSUMB’s community liaison for the Helen Rucker Center for Black Excellence and is a founding member of the MCBC. 

“When I’m [at Juneteenth], it feels liberating,” said Robinson, who was born and raised in Seaside. “It’s a proud moment to see all the planning and hard work come to fruition. It’s a day of love and celebration.”

Robinson is also the Juneteenth graphic designer and has assembled a colorful and engaging suite of flyers promoting all aspects of the Juneteenth celebration, including live performances, over 50 Black-owned businesses, food vendors, family-friendly activities, tabling by community nonprofits and resources, and the crowning ceremony. 

“Every year we [crown] a Mr. and Mrs. Juneteenth — elders who have been active in civil rights,” Robinson said. She’s the coordinator for the crowning ceremony and says that Seaside community leader Ruthie Watts, who was the first Mrs. Juneteenth, also has a role in it.  

This year, those crowned will be Monterey County Board of Education Trustee Mary Claypool, and Greg Daniels Sr., longtime coach, mentor of young men and co-owner of a non-emergency medical transportation company. Monterey High School senior Paris Charles will also be crowned in recognition of her academic excellence, civic leadership and peer mentorship before heading off to Spelman College to study pre-law. 

A main stage on the park’s lawn will feature a lineup of musical performers, including this year’s headliner, R&B singer-songwriter Goapele, celebrating the 25th anniversary of her 2001 album, “Closer.” 

Other acts include Oakland-based rapper Kamaiyah, a guest performer on Drake and YG’s 2016 single “Why You Always Hatin’?”; the Curtis Family C-Notes, a family band that plays funk, soul and jazz; and Seaside rapper Liyah the Libra. 

A DJ and line dancing will keep the vibe upbeat between the live musical acts. Canyon Del Rey Boulevard between the park and city hall will be closed to vehicle traffic and occupied by the parked gleaming machines of various car clubs. Adjacent to that will be the Kids Zone on the city hall lawn.

“The Kids Zone is really huge,” Robinson says. “There’s usually face painting, jump houses, a game truck, a mechanical bull and more. It’s a family-friendly space.”

Though the federal holiday is new, Juneteenth’s mix of fun and enjoyment, history and culture, and bringing people together with music and food promises to make it a long-lasting tradition.