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The Redwood City Library is hosting a variety of educational and fun events throughout June to celebrate Juneteenth. There are events for all ages ranging from themed crafts to discussions.
Juneteenth marks the date when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and informed enslaved people of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865, two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the proclamation. It became a federal holiday in 2021 but was celebrated well before.
Interim Redwood City Library Director Sarah La Torra said, “Since it became a federal holiday, the library has created Juneteenth events to educate and celebrate with the community. Juneteenth is an opportunity to both reflect on the past as well as renew our commitment to equality and freedom.”
Stanford Director of Creative and Digital Services Robert Coles, who was on the Stanford and Redwood City Juneteenth Planning Committees, said, “organizing these celebrations helps promote cultural awareness and honors the contributions of African Americans to our community.”
“These events create opportunities for cultural expression. It allows artists, historians, storytellers, and others to share their talents and stories, enriching the cultural fabric of the community,” he added.
One celebration Coles thinks is uniquely special is the art exhibits at Redwood City’s downtown and Redwood Shores library branches as well as at the Stanford Redwood City Cardinal Hall.
“Art plays a critical role in community building. It can bring people together, create dialogue, and inspire collective action,” Coles said“Each display showcases an array of works, ranging from photography to illustrations, celebrating the power of visual storytelling in all its forms.”
The artwork is currently on display at both library branches but there will be an opening event at Cardinal Hall on June 4. Several of the artists will attend and a short documentary will be screened.
La Torra said one of the reasons the library decided to host Juneteenth events is reflection.
“It is important for our community to honor the history and culture of African Americans,” she said.“Celebrating Juneteenth provides an opportunity to not only reflect back on an historic event but to also embrace the achievements of the current generation and look to the future.”
Juneteenth Events in Redwood City
- Visual Arts Opening Exhibit
Date: June 4, 4 pm – 7 pm
Location: Cardinal Hall in Stanford Redwood City Campus
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- San Mateo County Juneteenth Flag Raising
Date: June 12, 9 am
Location: County Courtyard
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- Bravemaker: Movie on the Square
Date: June 13, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: Courthouse Square
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Redwood City Library Juneteenth Events
- Kid Makers: Celebrate Juneteenth
Date: June 1, 2 pm – 3 pm
Location: Downtown Library Makerspace
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- Celebrating Juneteenth, a Historical Perspective with Lois Fried
Date: June 4, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Downtown Library
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Date: June 12, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Redwood Shores Library Branch
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- Celebrating Juneteenth: Community Flower Book
Date: June 5, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Downtown Library
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Date: June 6, 6 pm – 7 pm
Location: Redwood Shores Library Branch
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- Juneteenth Story Time
Date: June 12, 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Schaberg Library Branch
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Date: June 18, 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Redwood Shores Library Branch
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Date: June 20, 7:15 pm – 7:45 pm (bilingual)
Location: Downtown Library
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