Juneteenth event canceled due to COVID-19 crisis

VALLEJO, CA — For the first time in over three decades, Vallejo’s annual Juneteenth celebration will not take place this summer due to concerns about public safety and the potential for exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Officials waited cautiously for word from the City or Governor’s office that would have allowed public gatherings to resume but it has become clear that the approval will not happen soon enough to safely hold the event on June 20th as planned.

“We’re very disappointed that this signature event celebrating African American history and culture will not happen this year.” said Rachelle Jackson, Chairman of the 32nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration. The event is sponsored by the African American Family Reunion Committee. “Our position is that it’s far more important to protect the safety and health of our community during this unprecedented health crisis that has gripped our nation and the world.”

The Juneteenth event became a cornerstone of the Solano County African Family Reunion Committee when it was created as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization in 1989. The organization serves to promote the national observance of Juneteenth marking African American freedom from slavery in the United States, to celebrate positive contributions of African Americans nationally and locally, and to promote a cultural connection of the observance as an opportunity to build strong communities through access to health services and education resources.

Throughout its history, the committee has supported opportunities for access to free health care and education resources for families, youth and children through partnerships with local non-profit and major health care providers. The committee shares this valuable information with the community through its network of volunteers serving as the African American Family Reunion Committee.

“Juneteenth has been successful in large part because of the valuable partnerships that we’ve forged over the years with corporate sponsors and many community service organizations that share our vision and commitment to improve the quality of life for Vallejo residents,” said Jackson. “Unfortunately, those valuable resources won’t be available to the community this year in the convenient, family-friendly environment which Juneteenth provided.” The committee had received and anticipated pledges of support and volunteer services from organizations that have supported the event through the years such as Kaiser Permanente, Vallejo City Unified School District, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kappa Beta Omega Chapter and Delta Sigma Theta Vallejo Alumnae Chapter sororities, Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi and Alpha Phi Alpha fraternities, Solano County Chapter of The Links, Vallejo Education Association and others. In addition, dozens of small businesses and entrepreneurs were expected to participate as vendors and exhibitors.

Officials say monies from participants, community partners, sponsors and donors will be returned or refunded. The committee will also make a donation to an organization that is involved with the efforts by healthcare workers on the front lines dealing with COVID-19.

Questions should be emailed to the committee at aafrc@vallejojuneteenth.com.

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