EL CENTRO — Members of the community joined the Imperial Valley Social Justice Committee in celebrating Juneteenth, a federal holiday rooted in African-American culture and American history.
Juneteenth commemorates the passage and enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation, the historic executive order passed by Abraham Lincoln which declared freedom to the enslaved African-Americans in the Confederate territory on Jan. 1, 1863. The holiday is a play on the date June 19, 1865 — honoring not when the proclamation was issued, but when the last 250,000 enslaved African Americans were set free in Galveston Bay, Texas, following the arrival of Union troops.
This moment in history paved the way for the passage of the 13th Amendment, which formally ended slavery in the United States, and the subsequent Reconstruction Amendments, which expanded civil rights to everybody regardless of race, guaranteeing equal protection under the law and the right to vote.
IVSJC’s annual Juneteenth jubilee was held Saturday, June 14 at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Sports Pavilion in El Centro. The event included support from several social justice nonprofit organizations including the American Civil Liberties Union, California Rural Legal Assistance, Valle Imperial Resiste, and Imperial Valley Equity & Justice Coalition. There were also local food vendors, entertainment and raffle giveaways for attendees to enjoy.
The event aimed to honor the legacy of African-American leaders who have fought for Black liberation across all aspects of American life.
“We put on this celebration to show the community that we are proud of our heritage and where we come from,” Tammy Beasley, co-event planner, shared. “My ancestors did not have the luxuries or the same opportunities we have today. They had to fight for them and pave the way.”
There was a special tribute that honored the work and legacy of Donald Walker, a prominent local activist who once served as an educator in the Valley. Walker is notable for uplifting Black students, advocating for inclusivity, and playing an influential role in the renaming of the MLK Sports Pavilion.
Additionally, the Juneteenth Opal Lee 2.5 Award — named after the 87-year-old “grandmother of Juneteenth” who famously walked 1,400 miles to campaign for Juneteenth’s national holiday status — was presented to Lana Stephens, Maribel Padilla and Evelyn McGee. The recipients received this honor because of their commitment and service to the Imperial Valley community more greatly.
The event also aimed to foster an inclusive space that honored Black excellence and built community.
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“An event like today makes us feel great. It makes us feel noticed, it makes us feel accepted in the community,” stated Dominique McDuffie-Carabajal, an attendee from Yuma.
“Black excellence is not a phase. It’s a longtime commitment,” shared Donald Walker’s daughter, Marva Walker II, following her recitation of “I, Too,” a poem by Langston Hughes which reflects on America’s history with race and explores hope for a more inclusive America. “Juneteenth is American history. It’s a chance for all of us to confront the past and celebrate progress.”
In that spirit, the event featured dance, musical and artistic performances. Among these performers were Errrvibodi Line Dancers from San Diego, Carmelia “Toot” Bell, who opened the ceremony with a few musical numbers, Mariah McDonald, a young singer, and 13-year-old rapper Yung’zay.
The event was joined by Imperial County Board Chairperson John Hawk and Supervisor Martha Cardenas-Singh, who read a county proclamation declaring Juneteenth, June 19, 2025, a county holiday. Jazmine Guilin, a representative from Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez’s office, presented a proclamation on the Assemblyman’s behalf.
