Juneteeth, the nation’s 12th national holiday that is officially recognized on June 19th as the oldest celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, draws a great deal of justifiable, ever-growing attention, and 2024 is no different.
The holiday originated in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to commemorate when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, two months after the Confederacy had surrendered. It was about 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in Southern states. In 2021, President Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday.
On June 15th at Tam High from 11am-3pm, there’s a free, exciting Juneteenth event in our neck of the woods. This event is all about honoring our past through the celebration of African American Independence Day with live music, food, basketball tournament, activities for all ages & more.
Sponsored by the MV Free, Hip Hop for Change & Mill Valley Recreation, the event seeks to take Juneteenth up a notch with food, festivities, live music, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament and plenty of fun.
“Big thanks to Hip Hop For Change for putting together an amazing lineup again this year!,” organizers said. The live music lineup includes: Breathless (@breathlessmusic), DJ Shellheart (@djshellheart), Feline Finesse, (@ffdc_finesseorgetfinessed), Alexandra The Author (Vocalist and musician) (@snuffaluffalex_) Oakland Originalz (@oaklandoriginalz) and Amber Allen-Pierson (Spoken Word) (@clearlyclarity).
Register today for the FREE Mill Valley Juneteenth 3v3 Basketball Tournament led by Coach Steve Johnson.
The event is set for Saturday, June 15th, 11am-3pm at Tamalpais High School‘s Gus Gym.
Visit MyMVR.org to register. – Course #: 14965. Pre-registration is required.
No day-of drop ins; spaces are limited. This is a 3 on 3 tournament for all genders. There will be t-shirts, prizes, and a very fun time.
The MV Juneteenth 3v3 Basketball Tournament is organized and co-sponsored by Mill Valley Recreation, MVFREE and Play Marin. It is part of Mill Valley’s Annual Celebration of African American Freedom Day.