By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer
Hawthorne, CA- The City of Hawthorne hosted the 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Holly Park (2058 W. 120th Street). The event was held from 11:00 am-3:00 pm.
The City of Hawthorne Juneteenth Celebration was a vibrant celebration of community, culture, connections, and heritage on another beautiful day in the “City of Good Neighbors.”
The event was hosted by Aundrae Russell of KJLH Radio Free, 102.3. Back by popular demand, DJ Jiji Sweet served up a wonderful soundtrack to complement the day, playing tracks that had party people of all ages dancing between live performances.
City Council members Alex Monteiro and Katrina Manning gave opening remarks. Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor shared an inspiring testimonial about her family and growing up in Texas. Phil Wilkes Fixico, member of the Los Angeles Chapter of Buffalo Soldiers 9th & 10th Horse Calvary, Seminole Indian Scout, gave a brief history of the origins of Juneteenth.
The program got underway with a fantastic dance performance by Fantasia Dance. The group debuted new dance routines to the delight of everyone in attendance.
The Fernando Pullam Community Arts Center Choir was up next. These talented young vocalists put their whole hearts into their performance. It was encouraging and inspiring to see that the choir members not only sang the songs, but that the lyrics resonated with them on a deeper level. They got off to a rousing start with their arrangement of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” They continued with Not Gonna Let No One Turn Me Around,” “Holy Spirit, We Welcome You,” and “Emmanuel.” The choir took the crowd and me on a musical journey to Africa during the Motherland Medley: “Siyahamba,” “Jambo Bwana,” and “Pata Pata.” Narvel “Pooh” Mayo is the Musical Director and Piano Instructor.
JWB is an awesome trio that is a regular performers at many events in Hawthorne and around town. They thrilled the crowd as they performed a set of relevant, timeless, classic R&B, soul, and jazz classics.
The City of Hawthorne’s Juneteenth Celebration concluded with a performance by Durti Ryce, featuring Devon. The crowd and I were grooving to the soulful R&B sounds of the ultimate Frankie Beverly & Maze tribute band. Durti Ryce delved into the extensive catalog of Frankie Beverly & Maze to entertain a captivated audience. The group opened with “Look at California,” followed by “Happy Feelin’ While I’m Alone,” “Feel That You’re Feelin’ and “Joy and Pain.” There was a brief pause for the cause, as the program segued into a Tina Experience featuring the dynamic vocalist Monique Renee. Ms. Renee performed “I Need Your Lovin,’ “Behind the Groove,” and “Square Biz,” with the audience singing along in unison.
Deron returned to the stage to perform “Silky Soul,” Golden Time of Day,” “Before I Let Go,” and a relevant, timely, and unifying classic track, “We Are One.”
The vibes were festive in Holly Park as residents and visitors enjoyed mouthwatering treats served up by local food trucks, participated in engaging, interactive arts and crafts, and jumpers for children.
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