OBSERVER Staff Report

Against the backdrop of blue skies and the vibrant greenery of William Land Park, the 2025 Sacramento Juneteenth Festival brought together generations of Black families, community leaders, artists, and allies in a powerful three-day celebration of freedom, resilience, and culture.

Kicking off Thursday evening with the annual VIP Reception, the event honored community champions through the prestigious Juneteenth Community Soldier Awards. This year’s recipients — Plachette Robertson, founder and publisher of Sac Cultural Hub; Antonio Ray Harvey, journalist and sportscaster; and Theo Dixon, owner of Members in Black Security Firm — were recognized for their enduring dedication to uplifting Sacramento’s Black community.

The evening saw stirring remarks from Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, Councilmember Rick Jennings, and Councilmember Roger Dickinson, each reaffirming their commitment to Sacramento’s continued celebration and preservation of Black history.

On Friday night, the soulful tradition of “Gospel Under the Stars: Raise the Praise” filled the park with electric energy and spiritual reverence. Anchored by the commanding voices of the James Jackson All-Stars Choir, the concert showcased talent from Sacramento and the Bay Area, drawing attendees into a shared, spirit-filled experience beneath the open sky.

Saturday morning saw the streets of South Sacramento come alive with the vibrant Juneteenth Soul Parade, a dazzling display of unity, heritage, and cultural pride. The procession featured Black Greek-letter organizations, including Alpha Phi Alpha, along with local youth groups, spirited motorcycle and truck clubs, and thundering drum lines. 

The heartbeat of the weekend pulsed strongest Saturday afternoon during the Juneteenth Festival in the Park. With picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and dancing shoes at the ready, attendees packed the park for a day of music, art, and fellowship. Southern Soul icon T.K. Soul headlined the entertainment, delivering a rousing set that had the crowd grooving and singing along.

The main stage was also graced by a diverse lineup of talent, including Cosmic Roots, Prophesy, Flyism Uncensored, Decatur Black, and Tina B. and the Sacramento Soul Line Dancers, who got festivalgoers on their feet. 

Beyond the music and festivities, the celebration honored the deep roots and ongoing impact of Black history. The Sojourner Truth Art Museum and the Sacramento History Museum curated exhibits that educated and inspired, reminding attendees of the significance of Juneteenth as a symbol of Black liberation and perseverance.

Over the course of three days, nearly 3,000 people came together in celebration, making this year’s festival one of Sacramento’s most successful Juneteenth events to date, according to organizers. The Sacramento Juneteenth Festival remains a vital cultural institution: a space for honoring history, fostering unity, and joyfully celebrating the enduring spirit of the Black community.

As the final notes rang out and the sun set on William Land Park, one message resonated loud and clear: freedom celebrated is freedom remembered.

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