Submitted by mshernandez on Tue, 05/30/2023 - 14:10

Celebrating Juneteenth in Sonoma County!


Freedom Day

Juneteenth has long been celebrated by Black communities across the U.S., and in 2021 President Biden proclaimed June 19th, Juneteenth, a national holiday.

Juneteenth History

First celebrated on June 19, 1865, when news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached the enslaved people in Texas, two years after the conclusion of the Civil War; Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

Remnants of slavery lingered in some former Confederate states which did not officially abolish slavery within their jurisdiction until later. In Sonoma County, citizens of Petaluma, Santa Rosa and Healdsburg included both supporters and opponents of the confederacy.

Local History

In 1954, beloved foster parent and faith leader Marteal Perry brought the celebration to Sonoma County from her hometown of Alta, Texas. She hosted Juneteenth for county residents at her South Wright Road property for many years.

In recognition of Juneteenth 2023, Sonoma County Library locations will be closed on Monday June 19, 2023. Check out the highlighted resources and community celebrations below.

Juneteenth image

Sonoma County Library Events

books image

Books, Collections, And Resources:

Check out these recommended books and movies our librarians have created for you:

Teen Craft Time image

Celebrating Juneteenth in eBooks, Streaming Media, and more:


Community Events

53rd Annual MLK Community Festival Celebration of Diversity and Inclusion
with the BiblioBus!
Saturday, June 17, 2023
10am - 6pm
Martin Luther King Jr. Park – 1671 Hendley Street, Santa Rosa

The Healdsburg Jazz Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 17, 2023
2pm - 8pm
Healdsburg Plaza- Corner of Healdsburg Avenue and Matheson Street

How Black Foodways shaped American Cuisine
Saturday, June 17, 2023
5pm - 8pm
Sonoma County Center – 276 E Napa Street, Sonoma

Websites