Nigerian music sensation, Davido, captivated fans and dignitaries at the annual Juneteenth concert in Los Angeles, California. Performing two tracks, “Feel” and “Unavailable,” from his latest album, “Timeless,” Davido left a lasting impression on Vice President Kamala Harris and other notable attendees.
Organized by CNN, the Juneteenth concert serves as a tribute to the emancipation of slaves in the United States. This year’s event, held at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, embraced the theme “Juneteenth: A Global Celebration for Freedom.”
As the first African performer of the night, Davido stole the show and earned thunderous applause from the crowd. The concert featured an impressive lineup of renowned artists, including Chloe Bailey, Charlie Wilson, Miguel, Kirk Franklin, Nelly, SWV, Coi Leray, Jodeci, Mike Phillips, Questlove, and Adam Blackstone.
Upon being called to the stage, Davido was greeted with a standing ovation and an eruption of excitement from the audience.
The Juneteenth holiday gained federal recognition in 2021, thanks to President Joe Biden, and has gained prominence following widespread protests in 2020 against the unjust killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, and other African Americans by the police.
Addressing the Juneteenth revelers, Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged the progress the country has made in its treatment of Black Americans. However, she emphasized that the fight for freedom is far from over, highlighting the ongoing struggle to realize the American promise of liberty and justice for all.
Across Southern California, community members and leaders participating in Juneteenth celebrations hope that these public acknowledgments translate into concrete actions. They aim to ensure that the true significance of June 19, a day dedicated to African American freedom and pride, remains intact.
June 19, 1865, marked the day when the last enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863. This date signifies the official end of slavery following the Civil War.
While Black Americans have long celebrated Juneteenth as their independence day, the movement gained widespread recognition after the tragic killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in 2020. This event sparked a global reckoning on racial injustice and reignited the Black Lives Matter movement.
In California, lawmakers are currently considering a statewide plan to provide reparations for eligible Black individuals affected by the political, economic, environmental, and educational consequences of slavery and systemic racism. A task force, established in 2021 to study the impact of slavery on Black Californians and their descendants, will present reparation payment proposals to the state legislature in late June. These proposals could serve as a blueprint for the rest of the country.