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(1) Discuss the Recommendations from the Juneteenth History and Education Ad Hoc Subcommittee; and (2) If Desired, Approval of the Recommended Elements for the Juneteenth 2026 Celebration.
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Meeting Date: April 15, 2026
Contact Person/Dept: Edgar Varela/Special Events Manager
Phone Number: (310) 253-5752
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-mail) Meetings and Agendas - MLK Celebration and Juneteenth Advisory Committee (4/9/2026); (E-mail) Parks, Recreation & Community Service Department Updates (4/9/2026)
Department Approval: Ted Stevens, PRCS Director (4/9/2026)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee (1) discuss the recommendations from the Juneteenth History and Education Ad Hoc Subcommittee; and (2) if decided, approve the recommended elements for the Juneteenth 2026 Celebration.
BACKGROUND
The Juneteenth History and Education Ad Hoc Subcommittee for Martin Luther King Jr. and Juneteenth Celebrations was established on August 23, 2025. The subcommittee's primary role is to support the special event staff by identifying history and education opportunities for the Juneteenth Celebration event. This report serves as an update from the subcommittee members on their progress and recommendations.
MCJC Advisory Committee Ad Hoc Subcommittees
An “ad hoc” subcommittee serves only a limited or single purpose. It is not perpetual, and it is dissolved when its specific task is completed. An Ad Hoc Subcommittee may be formed or dissolved at any Advisory committee meeting, as long as the discussion has been placed on the agenda in advance. Once an Ad Hoc Subcommittee has been created, updates are typically given by Members. By consensus of the Advisory committee, a separate Agenda Item is sometimes prepared and presented on a specific Ad Hoc Subcommittee’s topic or event
DISCUSSION
The History and Education Subcommittee has developed a series of recommended program elements intended to enhance the educational, cultural, and historical depth of the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration.
The proposed elements focus on providing historical context and honoring the legacy of Juneteenth. This includes an introductory address from the stage outlining the origins and significance of Juneteenth, as well as the historical efforts to establish it as a national holiday. The Subcommittee also recommends incorporating a virtual or recorded appearance by Opal Lee, a prominent figure in the national recognition of Juneteenth, to further emphasize the importance of this history.
Additional components include an “In Memoriam” segment to honor notable individuals, and educational displays such as “The Struggle for the Vote,” which may be updated to reflect current civic topics, including the November 2026 California Voter ID ballot initiative. The Subcommittee also proposes inviting the City Clerk to provide information on voter registration processes and documentation requirements, further supporting civic awareness and accessibility.
To broaden the educational impact, the Subcommittee recommends the inclusion of a “Black Americans Who Aren’t Household Names…But Ought to Be” display, highlighting lesser-known historical figures and their contributions. Family-friendly elements are also proposed, including a children’s activity area and the distribution of Juneteenth-themed books to encourage youth engagement and learning.
Finally, the Subcommittee recommends the development of a multi-page, full-color event program to be distributed to attendees. This program would include content from the “In Memoriam” segment, educational profiles, and relevant civic information, serving as both a guide for the event and a resource for continued reflection.
Collectively, these elements are intended to create a well-rounded Juneteenth Celebration that balances commemoration, education, and community engagement. The Advisory Committee’s review and approval of these recommendations will help ensure alignment with the event’s goals and available resources.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this discussion.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
MOTIONS
That the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee:
Approve the Recommended Elements for the Juneteenth 2026 Celebration.