On Saturday, June 15, SEIU 1021 members joined thousands of attendees at the Vallejo Juneteenth Festival & Parade held at the Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Green. The event, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, featured a vibrant celebration of culture, history, and community spirit.

The festival kicked off at 11 a.m. with a parade along Mare Island Way, showcasing local performers, community organizations, and SEIU 1021 members proudly displaying solidarity. Cultural performances, art displays, and food vendors lined the waterfront, offering a diverse array of activities for attendees of all ages.

SEIU 1021 North Central Regional Vice President Akbar Bibb expressed the significance of the event: “The Juneteenth celebration not only honors our collective history but also underscores the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. This event bought the whole community together. We were able to really celebrate Juneteenth as Freedom Day, and SEIU 1021 members really came out to celebrate with leaders like Cassandra James (Solano County supervisor-elect). Despite being a federal holiday, Solano County doesn’t currently recognize Juneteenth as a holiday for its workers, so this show of celebratory solidarity really sent a message, that we are united in this.”

SEIU 1021 members actively participated in the festivities, engaging with the community and highlighting their commitment to social justice and equity. The event concluded at 5 p.m., leaving a lasting impression of unity and celebration among all who attended.