Alyssah Hall
Last year, more than 5,000 community members and 100 local organizations came out for Rialto’s Juneteenth Jam, a free event celebrating the Juneteenth national holiday. This celebration honoring freedom, unity, and Black culture will return on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Fergusson Park in Rialto, California.
Former President Joe Biden, along with members of Congress, signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act at the White House on June 17, 2021.
Recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday allows Americans to contemplate the complicated processes of emancipation after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, according to the United States Capitol Historical Society.
Juneteenth marks the date of June 19, 1865, when Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and demanded that the state free more than 250,000 enslaved people. This occurred nearly three years after Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
“The Juneteenth Jam was created by local community organizations including Tomorrow’s World, the National Council of Negro Women, the Mayor Deborah Robertson Foundation, KICKit World, Inland Empire Pastors, local Divine 9 chapters, Say Go EJ, Dameron Communications, and others,” Juneteenth Jam Founder Vickie Davis said via a press release.
“Together, these organizations are bringing the community together for a day of joy, empowerment, and connection,” Davis continued.
Highlights of the Juneteenth Jam include live entertainment and activities such as basketball, skating, flag football, wellness circles, pickleball, and more; a vendor marketplace featuring local food, clothing jewelry and artisan vendors; a classic car display featuring vintage and custom vehicles; and family-friendly fun consisting of games, music, and community bonding.
“Juneteenth Jam strengthens the village mentality within our community by creating a space where residents, business owners, nonprofit organizations, and leaders from all sectors, at every level, come together. We unite to foster a deeper understanding of humanity and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to our community,” Davis stated.
Davis is inviting businesses and organizations to sponsor the event because contributions will help ensure the Juneteenth Jam remains free and accessible.
For tickets, go to: https://rialtojuneteenthjam2025.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Vickie Davis at BlackOnTheBlock.MissD@gmail.com or call 951.255.7382.