Hundreds gathered at Bakersfield College on June 17 to commemorate Juneteenth, the holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States. Hosted by the Bakersfield College African American Initiatives, alongside the Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce and the NAACP, the free public event brought together a diverse cross-section of Kern County over a shared breakfast to honor a pivotal chapter in American history.
Hundreds gathered at Bakersfield College on June 17 to commemorate Juneteenth, the holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States. Hosted by the Bakersfield College African American Initiatives, alongside the Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce and the NAACP, the free public event brought together a diverse cross-section of Kern County over a shared breakfast to honor a pivotal chapter in American history. Themed “Freedom, Family and Fellowship – Rooted in Connection, Kinship and Joy,” the event featured speeches, performances, and reflections on the significance of June 19, 1865.
“Juneteenth is an important time to stop and reflect on how far we as a country have come, while recognizing the work still to be done,” said Bakersfield College President Dr. Stacy Pfluger in her opening remarks. She emphasized that the pursuit of unity and true justice remains a continuous, collective journey. “It’s never the wrong time to do what is right. Let’s continue to strive together for unity and what is just.”…