In a move celebrating the emancipation of African Americans, the City of Mesa is gearing up for its First Annual Juneteenth Celebration. Set to take place on June 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Mesa Community College's Southern and Dobson campuses, the community event is free to the public. As reported by the City of Mesa, a special program is scheduled to commence at 7:15 p.m., including a proclamation by the City of Mesa to commemorate the date.
"Mesa's diversity is one of the strengths of our community, and I'm proud of the City's work to advance issues of equity and ensure all people are treated fairly,” Mayor John Giles articulated the city's standpoint and its dedication to remembering Juneteenth. Following the announcement, to encourage residents to participate, Lyft is extending a $10 ride discount to the event using the code MESAJUNETEENTH, applicable only for rides to and from Mesa Community College on June 19.
With the theme "Rooted in Resilience," the celebration aims to recognize the entirety of Black Americans' strengths, staunch will, and formidable adversities they have braved. Just a few days earlier, Keisha McKinnor, Chair of the Mesa-East Valley, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee described the sentiment behind the Juneteenth Proclamation, "It celebrates the amazing resiliency of Black Americans on our continual journey in the pursuit of liberty and equality," according to the City of Mesa.
The event has promised a special edition planetarium show titled "Journey to Freedom: Navigating by the Stars" and a slew of family-focused amenities, from games in the Kids Zone to health screenings. Contributing to the day's atmosphere will be MCC's acclaimed DJ, supported by a calculated assembly of arts and culture vendors and a range of food trucks, as per the City of Mesa.
