Local communities plan to celebrate Juneteenth with sunshine, conversation, and good food. The following is planned. | news

When: Thursday, June 17 and Friday, June 18, 6 p.m. – 8.30 p.m.

Where: University Circle, 1900 University Avenue, East Palo Alto

Live in Peace, an East Palo Alto-based nonprofit focused on empowering youth and young adults, is hosting two nights of June 15 celebrations. On Thursday evenings, the group celebrates education and youth, with artists and live entertainment. The winner of an essay contest will receive a one-year scholarship of $ 5,000.

On Friday evening, the nonprofit will highlight small businesses and introduce a network mixer and provider.

BBQ, shows and a petting zoo

When: Saturday, June 19, 1 p.m.

Where: Jack Farrell Park, 2509 Fordham St., East Palo Alto

Tha Hood Squad, an activist collective focused on “police control” and delivering community programs, is hosting an event on Saturday in June with spoken word and live performances, a DJ, African dancers, vendors and a children’s petting zoo . People are encouraged to bring their own grills and meat to grill in the park and encouraged to maintain social distance. Free masks are provided. The event also celebrates the 55th anniversary of the founding of the Black Panther Party, according to an event flyer. Learn more on Instagram @ThaHoodSquad.

Menlo Park

Recognize a black World War II hero

When: Saturday, June 19, 11 a.m.-11.30 a.m.

Where: Karl E. Clark Park, 313 Market Place, Menlo Park

The city of Menlo Park will celebrate Juniteenth, a day to commemorate the end of slavery in the US, with a ceremony in Belle Haven to honor Karl E. Clark, a World War II African American hero who is a longtime activist and mentor of the Community was to be appreciated.

The ceremony includes the unveiling of a storyboard in honor of Clark, after whom the park is named.

MEPs Anna Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, Menlo Park Mayor Drew Combs and Councilor Cecilia Taylor will speak at the event. The event is sponsored by the Menlo Park Historical Association, Belle Haven Action, and the City of Menlo Park.

Stanford University

Hear about descendants of enslaved people or stream a cooking demo

When: June 18 to June 25, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Virtual

Stanford University has organized several events including a panel discussion and a series of cooking demonstrations that focus on black diaspora foods.

● Monday, June 21, 12 a.m. to 1 p.m. A panel discussion entitled “Freedom Was Not Free” will feature the narratives of three Stanford employees and families descended from enslaved people: Ayodele Thomas of the Office of Graduate Education; Jim Embry, Thomas’ father; and Lettie McGuire of Stanford Medicine. More information here.

● 18.-25. June. People can watch a 30-minute cooking demonstration video online by Chef Terry Braggs of Stanford’s Residential and Dining Enterprises. He will prepare catfish etouffée and raspberry lemonade and provide recipes for grilled peach coleslaw, wedge salad, smoky black peas, southern macaroni and cheese, and beetroot corn bread with honey butter.

Visit stanford.app.box.com for more information.

Redwood City

Pride Month with Juneteenth. combine

When: June 19, 12: 00-1: 15 p.m.

Where: Virtual. Register online at redwoodcity.zoom.us

Redwood City’s Friends of the Library Bookstore is sponsoring an author talk with Dana Johnson, a non-binary gender activist, writer, documentary filmmaker and workshop leader, and Khalid Akil White, an educator, children’s author and CEO of Blkmpwr. The discussion will focus on issues such as identity, intersectionality, diversity, equity and inclusion and discuss how to serve and empower colored people, LGBTQ + communities and marginalized populations through therapeutic activism.

Los Altos

Participate in a fundraiser for a Blackalaureate auction

When: June 19, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Where: Lincoln Park, 199 University Ave., Los Altos

Justice Vanguard, a grassroots organization focused on combating structural racism and founded by Kenan Moos and Kiyoshi Taylor, two black men from Los Altos, will host their second annual Juneteenth celebration and invite the public and media to join in to inform about the Juneteenth and its history and at the same time to support black companies and a new scholarship fund “Blackalaureate”. The event features wine tasting from a black winery, soul food, cocktails, pastries, music and poetry.

There will also be an auction to raise funds for the Blackalaureate Scholarship Fund, which is designed to help black students attain higher education. The scholarship will benefit students who complete the Mountain View-Los Altos High School District in 2022.

Mountain view

Learn more about Juneteenth

When: At any time

Where: Mountain View Public Library, 585 Franklin St., Mountain View

The Mountain View Public Library has put together an exhibition of books and a reading list for those interested in Juniteenth, the history of slavery in the US, and the post-Civil War reconstruction period. It can be found at encore.mountainview.gov.

San Jose

Attend the 40th annual Juneteenth in the Park Festival

When: 13-19 June

Where: Different locations, virtually

The African American Community Service Agency is hosting its 40th annual Juneteenth in the Park event in San Jose. The events include:

● Thursday, June 17, Enso Night Club, 97 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose: Happy Hour in June from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm and a Sankofa Open Mic event with Prentice Powell from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm.

● Friday, June 18, virtual: from 9 am to 10.30 am, “Education before the Celebration” event with Morgan DeBaun, founder and creator of Blavity and AfroTech, and Janine Rubenstein, entertainment journalist and TV personality.

● Saturday, June 19, Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, Gate D: 12 pm-7pm, 40th Annual Juneteenth in the Park Festival. Planned performers are the gospel musician and singer-songwriter Le’Andria Johnson, Lorianna Gardere; Singer-songwriter Lena Byrd Miles; and Grammy-winning singer Ledisi. The host will be Marcus Washington from NBC Bay Area.