By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer
Los Angeles, CA—Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Juneteenth 2026 is going to be highlighted in the history books for future generations.
Juneteenth 2026 is the 5th Anniversary of President Biden signing Juneteenth National Independence Day into law on June 17, 2021. This established June 19th as an official U.S. Federal Holiday.
I saw people wearing t-shirts and other apparel with “The 2nd Independence Day” while attending celebrations around town this past weekend.
Juneteenth 2026 was the grand opening of The Obama Presidential Center on the south side of Chicago. The public was able to tour this historic building on Friday, June 19, 2026.
Last but not least, KBLA Talk 1580 celebrated five years of impact, information, and community service. The popular talk radio station celebrated its 5th anniversary, marking a half-decade of trusted news, meaningful conversations, cultural empowerment, and community-focused programming for listeners throughout Southern California and beyond.
You know that this is a cause for celebration. Tavis Smiley and the KBLA Talk 1580 family welcomed several hundred community members to the Beehive (950 E. 60th Street) on Friday, June 19, 2026, for an incredible celebration. If you weren’t there, you can imagine the vibes at The Beehive, if you have attended a family reunion or class reunion (high school through university).
You would see everyone greeting each other with a hug, laughing, singing, having meaningful conversations, taking selfies with each other, and DANCING! A party of this magnitude isn’t complete without some delicious, mouthwatering Southern food.
This important event was guaranteed to attract some prominent figures including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Los Angeles City Council Members Curren D. Price, Jr (9th District) and Heather Hutt (10th District), Dr. Cornel West, Luenell, Al B. Sure, Kenney Lattimore, Assemblywoman Sade Elhawary (57th District), former state Senators Roderick D. Wright, and Steven C. Bradford, Capri Maddox-Executive Director, Los Angeles Civil Rights Department and Mark Ridley-Thomas-former State Senator, Assembly member, Los Angeles County Supervisor and Los Angeles City Councilmember.
The festivities officially got underway with “Celebration,” by Kool & the Gang, broadcast through the speakers. This selection, played by DJ Bad, set the tone for the evening.
Dr. Cornel West gave opening remarks to his dear friend of 45 years. Tavis arrived onstage to rousing applause. Tavis thanked his KBLA Talk 1580 family as well as the many people across the community for their support and for believing in his vision.
Tavis Smiley, KBLA Talk 1580 5th Anniversary Celebration, put a stop to cynics, doubters, and naysayers. KBLA Talk 1580 was launched with a bold vision to create a station that serves as a reliable community resource, to provide information people can use to improve their lives and strengthen their families, and to engage more deeply in civic and cultural issues from a decidedly progressive perspective.
During the past five years, KBLA Talk 1580 has become one of the most influential voices in talk radio, serving nearly 12 million listeners across the region through thought-provoking programming, community engagement, and a commitment to amplifying voices often overlooked by mainstream media.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass gave remarks and presented Tavis Smiley with a Proclamation. Tavis invited the entire KBLA Talk 1580 family on stage for a group photo.
Special guest Luenell was presented with a Proclamation from Mayor Karen Bass and a Certificate of Recognition from the Los Angeles City Council, presented by Curren D. Price, Jr. (District 9) and Heather Hutt (District 10). The award kept coming. Tavis Smiley presented Luenell with a special award. Luenell was presented with the microphone to deliver some hilarious remarks to the delight of all in attendance.
The party people aka, grown folks, cut a rug or two to the upbeat, danceable selections played by DJ Bad, who was rocking the ones and twos all evening on this historic day in the “City of Angels.”
The evening concluded on an upbeat note. R&B singer Kenny Lattimore thrilled the captivated crowd with a powerful and outstanding performance of “For You” and “A Change is Gonna Come,” a relevant classic for the moment.
Tavis Smiley shared some good news with guests. Tavis Smiley was recently named #14 on Talkers Magazine’s 2026 “Heavy Hundred” list, one of the most prestigious rankings recognizing the most influential talk media personalities in America.
Smiley is again the highest-ranked Black talk radio personality, underscoring the enduring impact on the national media landscape and his commitment to elevating meaningful conversations.
“Five years ago, on Juneteenth, we launched KBLA Talk 1580 to provide news and information to a part of Los Angeles that has been ignored or pushed to the side for decades,” concluded Tavis Smiley, owner of SmileyAudioMedia, Inc., and host of the nationally syndicated “Tavis Smiley” Talk Show. “We’re now syndicated in almost 50 markets across the United States with more growth on the horizon. The best is truly yet to come.”