Over 100 people filled the Rohnert Park Community Center Friday, June 19, to celebrate Juneteenth with food, music, poetry and recognition of local leaders whose civic work has made a difference in Sonoma County.
Inside the venue, children, college students, city officials, educators and families mingled, many dressed in bright red, yellow and green clothing reflecting Pan-African colors. Amid the chatter, the aroma of barbecue chicken, ribs, macaroni and cheese and green beans, feast catered by Everett and Jones BBQ, wafted through the room. A dessert of warm peach cobbler was served after the program.
The fourth annual Juneteenth Luncheon, hosted by the city of Rohnert Park and Sonoma State University, offered an afternoon occasion for reflection, celebration and fellowship marking the 161th anniversary of Juneteenth, now a federal holiday.
Juneteenth commemorates the date in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War.
During Friday’s event, organizers presented the 2026 Juneteenth Freedom Day Awards to Sonoma County community leaders Dennis Mitchell McCarter and Kerbrina Boyd.
McCarter was recognized for his work as an entrepreneur, mentor and community advocate. In addition to founding McCarter Cellars, a majority Black-owned based in winery, organized cited his work to expand opportunities for young people through mentorship programs and has promoted greater diversity and representation within the wine industry.
Boyd, an admissions specialist at Sonoma State University, was honored for her 24 years of service through education, mentorship, advocacy and the arts. Organizers highlighted her support of first-generation and Black students, her spoken-word performances focused on Black history and civil rights, and her advocacy raising awareness about hydrocephalus, a brain condition that has affected her family.
The luncheon also recognized five other nominees for the Freedom Day Awards: author and child wellbeing advocate Krystaelynne Sanders Diggs, anesthesiologist Dr. Kadia Bundu, Rohnert Park City Councilmember Jackie Elward, Petaluma City Schools Trustee Joanna Paun and Tramaine Austin-Dillon, Sonoma State’s senior director of strategic initiatives and senior diversity officer.
All honorees were nominated by community members, with the nominations omitting any personal identifying information so Rohnert Park council members and Sonoma State representatives could vote to select the two Black leaders without any bias.
After accepting the award, Boyd said she was overwhelmed by the recognition.
“I am quite surprised,” she said. “I do spoken word, and I’m speechless right now, this is just such a blessing.”
She thanked her family, especially her mother, who lives with hydrocephalus and inspired her to be an advocate in that space.
McCarter also expressed gratitude after receiving his accolades. He said his work is guided by a simple philosophy.
“All I do is study, I take in, I give back and I move forward,” he said. “That’s what I’ll keep doing as long as I breathe.”
The program began with a Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony and included remarks from Rohnert Park Mayor Emily Sanborn and Sonoma State University President Michael Spagna.
In a proclamation read during the event, Sanborn declared Friday as Juneteenth Day in Rohnert Park and encouraged residents to commemorate the holiday through reflection, education and community engagement.
“Juneteenth stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring pursuit of liberty, justice and equality for all people,” Sanborn said. “The observance provides an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s history, honor the resilience and achievements of African Americans, and recognize their lasting contributions to our communities, culture, economy, and city of life
Spagna said Sonoma State remains committed to ensuring students feel a sense of belonging and have opportunities to succeed.
“We are working to ensure that students see Sonoma State University as a place where they belong and can succeed,” he said, highlighting the university’s Black Student Success Initiative and other programs designed to support Black students. “As we celebrate today, let us honor generations of black leaders, educators, advocates, and community members who have paved the way for progress and recommit ourselves to creating a future where black students and families can fully thrive.”
Throughout the event, organizers emphasized both the historical significance of Juneteenth and the importance of continuing efforts to promote equity, inclusion and community connection.
Guests were treated to a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Skylaer Palacios, a former Healdsburg councilmember, and recitation of an original poem, “Resilience,” by Oakland-based spoken-word poetic activist, Porsche Veu.
As the event concluded, organizers thanked attendees and encouraged all to keep the spirit of Juneteenth alive through community and cultural gatherings.
“One of my favorite parts of this event here is looking around this room and seeing people from different backgrounds, different organizations, different neighborhoods, different generations coming together to share a meal, build connections, and celebrate our community,” said Cindy Bagley, director of community services with the city of Rohnert Park. “Those moments remind us that while we may have different experiences and different perspectives, we’re strongest when we come together.”
You can reach Staff Writer Isabel Beer at isabel.beer@pressdemocrat.com.
