SALINAS, Calif. — June 16, 2026 — Hartnell College will host its sixth annual Juneteenth celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at the Main Campus Student Center, 411 Central Ave., Salinas. The free, all-ages event will feature a complimentary lunch, live music and educational programming under this year's theme, "Know Our History, Shape Our Future." The celebration is hosted by Hartnell College with the support of the Salinas Juneteenth Celebration Association. 

Juneteenth, recognized as a national holiday, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and marks a pivotal moment in American history. The day honors African American freedom and underscores the importance of education, reflection and community as the nation continues its journey toward equality and justice. 

The celebration is designed to honor Black history and culture while creating a welcoming, festive atmosphere for all ages. Guests can enjoy live music, hands-on educational and cultural activities, and a free lunch, building on a tradition that has grown each year through Hartnell's partnership with the Salinas Juneteenth Celebration Association. 

The event is wheelchair accessible. Individuals requiring sign-language interpreters, real-time captioning or other accommodations should contact the Department of Supportive Programs and Services at 831-755-6760 or dsps@hartnell.edu. 

About the Salinas Juneteenth Celebration Association 

The Salinas Juneteenth Celebration Association's mission is to host Black and African culturally centered events in the Salinas Valley, ensuring the visibility and preservation of the city's Black and African American community members and their cultural contributions to local history. By celebrating a rich past while remaining conscious of ongoing struggles, the association promotes the resiliency of Black and African American legacies locally and globally. 

About Hartnell College 

Located in the heart of the Salinas Valley, Hartnell Community College District serves more than 13,000 students annually across its main campus in Salinas, the Alisal Campus, and education centers in King City, Castroville and Soledad. Hartnell is a Seal of Excelencia-certified institution and has been a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2000. The college offers associate and bachelor's degrees and certificate programs that prepare students for transfer to four-year universities or for direct entry into the workforce. Through its commitment to student success, equity and workforce development, Hartnell College plays a vital role in expanding educational opportunity and economic mobility throughout the region. For more information, visit hartnell.edu.