By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – As Juneteenth celebrations continue to grow across New Mexico, organizers behind The People’s Juneteenth say their event offers something more than a traditional festival: a space for community, political education and collective action.
Hosted by Building Power for Black New Mexico alongside a coalition of local organizations, The People’s Juneteenth takes place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on June 20 at Roosevelt Park in Albuquerque. The free event will feature cultural performances, political education, family activities, food and opportunities for community members to connect and organize.
For organizers, the gathering is rooted in both celebration and reflection.
“The People’s Juneteenth is for community, by community,” says Moneka Stevens, a community organizer with Building Power for Black New Mexico. “There’ll be speakers, performers, a children’s area, free food, lots of music and celebration.”
Stevens explains that the event is also designed to create space for conversations about racism, systemic oppression and how communities can work together to build a different future.
Organizers say that the educational component is one of the defining features of the event.
While Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, organizers argue that many public celebrations focus primarily on entertainment while overlooking the historical and political context surrounding the holiday.
“For us to really celebrate this specific day in history, it’s a recognition of consistent struggle,” says Zain Dixona, a community organizer with Building Power for Black New Mexico. “Part of that is making sure that our community is educated, not only about current struggles, but past struggles and what we can do in the future.”
This year’s program will include cultural performances, poetry, African drumming, dance presentations and discussions focused on Black history and contemporary social issues.
Among the featured programming will be a book reading and performance about abolitionist Harriet Tubman, as well as appearances by local artists and performers.
The event’s name also reflects its mission.
According to organizers, The People’s Juneteenth was created to emphasize grassroots community organizing and collective liberation rather than commercial sponsorship or economic development.
Selinda Guerrero, a community organizer with Building Power for Black New Mexico, explains that the event emerged from years of movement organizing in Albuquerque and a desire to create a celebration centered on community needs.
“When you come to our event, everything is free,” says Guerrero. “Everybody gets to eat. Everybody gets to participate in all of the activities.”
Unlike some festivals that focus heavily on vendors and commerce, organizers say The People’s Juneteenth prioritizes accessibility and participation. The event includes free food, family-friendly programming and efforts to accommodate attendees of all abilities.
Organizers also intentionally invite Albuquerque’s unhoused community members to participate and help shape the event. “Our unhoused neighbors are always invited to attend,” says Stevens. “They become a huge part of the space as well.”
The People’s Juneteenth is organized by a coalition that includes Building Power for Black New Mexico, Millions for Prisoners NM, John Brown Breakfast Club, Southwest Solidarity Network, La Raza Unida, YUCCA in Action, Burque Autonomous Brown Beret and ABQ Mutual Aid.
For Dixon, one of the most rewarding aspects of organizing the event is seeing different groups and individuals bring their own ideas and contributions to the celebration.
“Community organizing is really beautiful in the sense that it is community,” says Dixon. “Everything’s like a potluck of ideas.”
Organizers say that the spirit of solidarity extends beyond race, nationality and individual causes. The event will include conversations about immigrant rights, prison abolition, environmental justice and international struggles, reflecting what organizers describe as interconnected movements for liberation.
Guerrero says the coalition’s approach is rooted in the belief that supporting the most marginalized communities benefits society as a whole. “When we uplift the most oppressed people, everybody lifts,” says Guerro.
Ultimately, organizers hope attendees leave with a deeper understanding of Juneteenth, new relationships and a stronger connection to local organizations working in their communities.
“We hope people will leave with new contacts, new relationships and ideas for the next events they want to attend,” says Guerrero.
At a time when many people feel isolated or overwhelmed by political and social challenges, organizers say The People’s Juneteenth offers something equally important as education and activism: joy.
“The struggle is tough,” says Stevens. “It’s time now for us to come together for a beautiful day of joy.”
The People’s Juneteenth will be held Saturday, June 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Roosevelt Park, (500 Spruce St. SE). The event is free and open to the public.
If you go…
The People’s Juneteeth
- Saturday, June 20, from 4 to 7 p.m.
- Roosevelt Park (500 Spruce St. SE)
- Free!