East Contra Costa cities set to celebrate Juneteenth

ANTIOCH As communities around the nation prepare to celebrate Juneteenth on Thursday particular East Contra Costa County cities are also gearing up for vibrant celebrations More than just a federal holiday Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in two years after President Abraham Lincoln s Emancipation Proclamation was enacted In it officially became the th federal holiday after former President Joe Biden signed it into law Locally Antioch is set to host its fourth annual Juneteenth festival from p m to p m on Thursday at Williamson Ranch Park This year s festival Juneteenth A Freedom Celebration will take residents down memory lane with live performances by s R B singer Shanice Wilson The Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter best known for her Billboard hit single I Love Your Smile invited people to the show You do not want to miss this Bring your blankets your folding chairs and it s gonna be a good vibe I hope to see you there revealed Wilson in an Instagram post last week There will also be performances by Universal Soul the official home band for the Golden State Warriors as well as sessions and various food options Brentwood will hold its second annual Juneteenth bash starting at p m at City Park on Thursday There will be a lineup of exercises and live performances by hip-hop group Digital Underground the Edwins Brothers West African dance performances by Bronze Girl Productions Monique McCoy Stepz Dance Fitness Virtuous Voices and Split Second Response the provider of personal protection and safety training courses Those attending will also have access to various food trucks including Cousins Maine Lobster The Craving Cajun Lizetta s Southern Soul Food and more In addition to the festival there will be a Downtown Brentwood Freedom Walk where residents can take a stroll and learn facts about African-American history A blood drive donation hosted by the American Red Cross will also be held at the Brentwood Population Center