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The California Report

PHOTOS: Juneteenth Celebration in San Francisco

Sara Hossaini
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Wilbert McAllister President of Oakland Black Cowboys Association introduces pony, Martin Luther, to San Francisco Juneteenth-attendee Irina Dalian alongside Yolanda Williams of the San Francisco Police Officer's Association. McAllister says Martin Luther is here to honor "fallen cowgirl" Rachel Townsend, longtime event organizer who passed away earlier this year. (Sara Hossaini/KQED)

This week marks Juneteenth, or June 19, a celebration that honors the end of slavery in America.

June 19 is the day more than 150 years ago that U.S. troops swept into Texas to liberate slaves who didn't yet know they were free, nearly three years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.

"For the black community in San Francisco in general... this is the biggest—this is the only thing we really have," said Richard Bougere, the event organizer, who has been coming to the Juneteenth celebration since he was one-year-old.

He says it serves almost like a family reunion.

The 68th annual Juneteenth event in San Francisco was held on Saturday in the Fillmore District.

Loriel Price, 8, of San Francisco in the petting zoo at the city's Juneteenth celebration. She says she's always wanted a horse or a rabbit.
Loriel Price, 8, of San Francisco in the petting zoo at the city's Juneteenth celebration. She says she's always wanted a horse or a rabbit. (Sara Hossaini/KQED)
Rodrick Jones of San Francisco selling a Warriors t-shirt to neighbor Dianne Jordan. They both say they've been coming to the festival for years.
Rodrick Jones of San Francisco selling a Warriors t-shirt to neighbor Dianne Jordan. They both say they've been coming to the festival for years. (Sara Hossaini/KQED)
Sylvia Whitley at her hometown Juneteenth celebration in San Francisco. She lives in Richmond now but works in her cousin's construction and catering company, Yolanda's Construction/YoRays. Of the unusual combination, Whitley shrugs, "We can cook!"
Sylvia Whitley at her hometown Juneteenth celebration in San Francisco. She lives in Richmond now but works in her cousin's construction and catering company, Yolanda's Construction/YoRays. Of the unusual combination, Whitley shrugs, "We can cook!" (Sara Hossaini/KQED)
Shamica Simpson and children Jaden and Neveah Pineda, 9 and 5, of San Francisco await the performance of her third child, Marlon, 12 (not pictured) at the city's 2018 Juneteenth celebration. Simpson says she enjoys the gospel music and the event, which "means a lot".
Shamica Simpson and children Jaden and Neveah Pineda, 9 and 5, of San Francisco await the performance of her third child, Marlon, 12 (not pictured) at the city's 2018 Juneteenth celebration. Simpson says she enjoys the gospel music and the event, which "means a lot". (Sara Hossaini/KQED)
Members of the Lyric Performing Arts Academy dance down Fillmore Street as part of San Francisco's Juneteenth celebration.
Members of the Lyric Performing Arts Academy dance down Fillmore Street as part of San Francisco's Juneteenth celebration.
(Sara Hossaini/KQED)

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