34th Annual Pomona Valley Juneteenth Family Jazz and Arts Festival
By Lynn Jackson
On Saturday, June 15, 2024, the 34th annual Pomona Valley Juneteenth Family Jazz and Arts Festival was held. It was a day of celebration with live music, food, and vendor booths.
The Master of Ceremonies was 11-year-old Jeremiah Fennell. Jeremiah is a celebrity sports commentator, journalist, and reporter, to name just a few of his talents. He has interviewed and been interviewed by the biggest names in entertainment, including Gayle King, Jennifer Hudson, Travis Kelce, and Vice-President Kamala Harris.
The New Buffalo Soldiers opened the celebration with a Presentation of the Colors flag ceremony. Donna Jackson-Houston, a Pomona Community Life Commissioner and President and Founder of the Nogales Buffalo Soldiers Legacy Association delivered a presentation commemorating the Buffalo Soldiers and their vital contribution to the country’s westward expansion.
In 1866, after the Civil War, Congress created six all-Black regiments known as the Buffalo Soldiers. The first Buffalo Soldiers comprised former slaves, freemen, and Black Civil War soldiers. “My grandfather was a WWI Buffalo Soldier, and it is an honor to recognize them and Juneteenth,” remarked Commissioner Houston.
Significant efforts are being waged to educate students and communities regarding the Buffalo Soldier’s vital role in American history. The NAACP Pomona Valley Branch submitted a resolution to incorporate the Buffalo Soldiers’ history into the educational curriculum, which was passed at the CA/HI state convention and will be ratified in July at the NAACP National Convention. “Education is one of the five NAACP game changers, and core focus for African Americans and the Buffalo Soldiers’ rich history and legacy to include in the nation’s public school system curriculum will continue for all,” states Jeanette Ellis-Royston, President Pomona Valley Branch.
Entertainment included music by Soul Sauce and Jazz Zone with Roscoe Lee Owens, and guests enjoyed various food and vendors. The City of Pomona, NAACP PV, and other organizations co-sponsored the celebration. Juneteenth is a national holiday commemorating the end of slavery after the Civil War. It is officially held on June 19th, and communities celebrate unity and peace.
Dr. Trudy Coleman is the founder/CEO of Juneteenth Education Technology Mobile Arts Center and a sponsor of the 34th-year Pomona Valley Juneteenth Family Jazz and Arts Festival. “It was a great celebration of the Emancipation for all people, especially Descendants of African Americans. J.E.T.M.A.C.’s mission is to continue to educate the public about the significance of Juneteenth and to pave the way to Freedom, Justice, and Equality through our annual community events. We are continuing the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., where all races and creeds of people come together in unity under one cause. We thank everyone for their presence”.
Save the Date: Monday, January 20, 2025, for the 24th Year Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast and Tribute in Ontario, CA. email: [email protected]
