Grass Valley’s sixth annual Juneteenth celebration is set for Condon Park on Saturday, June 20, from 11:30 am to 2 pm, bringing live music, potluck dishes and a community gathering back to the park. The event will mix celebration with remembrance, including a tribute to victims of injustice and police violence.
Atum Islam, formerly Jamal Walker, will perform blues and soul, and Kaya is also scheduled to sing. The celebration will honor KVMV broadcaster Jai Hanes, who is known for his work with youth in different capacities, while local organizations and agencies set up booths across the site.
Among the participants are Sierra Nevada Children’s Services, Sierra College, NEO, Nevada County Behavioral Health and the Nevada County Library. Kristine Alcamo said Juneteenth is a symbolic celebration of freedom, family and coming together in joy, and she encouraged the community to recognize the work done for social justice and equity while sharing a moment of joy.
The Grass Valley celebration began six years ago, a year before Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 with Congress’s creation of Juneteenth National Independence Day. In Grass Valley, the day will again be built around music, food, booths and an acknowledgment that the holiday carries both joy and memory.
