Community gathers for panel discussions, music, youth pageant, and a Unity Picnic honoring Black freedom and resilience
Palm Springs is set to commemorate Juneteenth National Independence Day with a vibrant three-day lineup of events from Thursday, June 19 through Saturday, June 21, honoring the historic end of slavery in the United States and celebrating Black culture, resilience, and progress.
THURSDAY: Conversations, Culture, and Music
The festivities begin Thursday evening with “Juneteenth: The Fight for Freedom”, hosted by the Sunset Music & Education Foundation from 5 to 7 p.m. at Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs. This free event features a powerful panel discussion moderated by Dr. Imani Woody, with activist and performer Sweet Baby J’ai serving as host.
Panelists include media executive Marilyn Solomon, LGBTQ+ advocate Tim Vincent, and Joy Silver, Chair of the Riverside County Democratic National Committee. Together, they’ll explore the historical and contemporary impact of Juneteenth, which commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when the last enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
“Juneteenth is about remembering, celebrating, and acting,” said Sweet Baby J’ai. “It’s a time to reflect on the journey and recommit to justice and equality.”
The evening also features musical performances by Yve Evans, poetry from Sweet Baby J’ai, and an interactive “Boots on the Ground” dance led by the Coachella Valley Sistahs Network. Light bites and cocktails will be available for purchase. Event partners include the Mizell Center, Oscar’s, and the Brothers of the Desert.
The celebration continues later that night at VillageFest from 7 to 10 p.m. in Downtown Palm Springs, where the community can enjoy a live DJ, cupcakes, crafts, and educational exhibits about the significance of Juneteenth.
FRIDAY: Pageantry and a Musical Tribute
On Friday, the spotlight turns to the youth with the beloved Kings & Queens Pageant, now in its 30th year. The event begins at 5 p.m. at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center (480 W. Tramview Road) and highlights local young people through fashion, talent, and cultural pride.
Later that evening, head to Downtown Park for a Concert in the Park starting at 7 p.m., featuring a lively musical tribute to Kool & the Gang, promising a festive night under the stars.
SATURDAY: Unity Picnic and Family Fun
The weekend wraps up Saturday with a Unity Picnic at 5 p.m. at Downtown Park. This family-friendly event includes food vendors, live entertainment, arts and crafts, games, and children’s rides—offering a joyful, inclusive space for reflection, connection, and community pride.
For details about “Juneteenth: The Fight for Freedom,” visit www.sunsetmusic.org. A full schedule of Juneteenth events in Palm Springs is available at palmspringsblackhistory.org.
