The event, themed “Honoring the Past, Serving the Present, Inspiring the Future,” was centered at Centennial Park, while a portion of South H Street was closed to traffic and filled with vendor booths, community organizations, food offerings and family activities.

Organized by the Santa Maria-Lompoc Branch of the NAACP, the celebration recognized the history, resilience and contributions of Black Americans while bringing together residents from across the community.

Author and motivational speaker Eliot Davis served as keynote speaker, and attendees enjoyed live entertainment throughout the day, including a performance by the 90’s BaBiez tribute band.

In announcing the event, NAACP Santa Maria-Lompoc Branch President Lawanda Lyons-Pruitt said the celebration reflects the importance of sharing the achievements and history of the Black community while recognizing the value of diversity throughout Santa Barbara County.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved people that they were free — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. The observance became a federal holiday in 2021.