Juneteenth Event To Commemorate Justice For Bruce's Beach

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA —The Justice For Bruce's Beach team is inviting the community to attend a special Juneteenth celebration on June 19. The festivities will run from 12-3 p.m. at Bruce's Beach, 2600–2698 N. Bayview Drive, Manhattan Beach.

Organized by Justice For Bruce's Beach founder Kavon Ward, the event will commemorate the one-year anniversary of the date she began her advocacy for Bruce’s Beach, shedding light on black history in Manhattan Beach, specifically the land taken from black landowners Willa and Charles Bruce.

"The event will be a cultural event reminiscent of the Juneteenth block parties I used to experience as a kid growing up in Harlem," Ward told Patch. "There will be music, dancers, spoken word performances, food trucks, and vendors."

Kavon, an acclaimed spoken word artist herself, has earned several accolades, including The Paul Robeson "Here I Stand" award. She has also won first place at the renowned Apollo Theater.

"I'm inviting everyone to come out and have fun," Ward said. "Bring the kids, bring your blankets, and enjoy."

The event line-up includes:

• Spoken word by Kavon Ward
• Youth Spoken Word Artist Mykenzie Gross
• Music and dance performances
• Errol Bonnick & the Lionz
• Kourtney Kimbrough & Band
• Rhythm for Change
• Autumn Breon and The Black Fist Brass Band
• Dramane Kone & Ballet Djelia Kadi
• Latch Key Kid
• Guest Speakers: LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn and Patricia Bruce