Juneteenth event unites people in Santa Ana

Around 200 people gathered in Santa Ana Friday to celebrate Juneteenth, the day enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom on June 19, 1865.

Black O.C. sponsored Friday’s event at Sasscer Park. Ferin Kidd, the director of the organization, said people came out “to show solidarity with one another.”

“We understand that white supremacy is a big problem, and a lot of us come from communities of color, we’re people of color,” Kidd said. “We have a lot of white allies out here who support our cause and we want … to come together as a community, because you cannot spell community without unity.”

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People stand and listen during the Juneteenth event, sponsored by Black O.C., at Sasscer Park in Santa Ana on Friday.

(Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

Roses line a set of steps as a large poster of George Floyd is on display during the Juneteenth event at Sasscer Park in Santa Ana on Friday.

(Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

Tim Harvey, 31, of Aliso Viejo, raises his arm during the Juneteenth event at Sasscer Park in Santa Ana on Friday.

(Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

Bridget, who did not give her last name, 21, of Costa Mesa, holds up a sign during the Juneteenth event at Sasscer Park in Santa Ana on Friday.

(Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

Speaker Dr. Karamo Chilombo of Los Angeles rallies those in attendance at the Juneteenth event at Sasscer Park in Santa Ana on Friday.

(Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

Chuck Newman, 35, of Long Beach, right, holds a sign during the Juneteenth event at Sasscer Park in Santa Ana on Friday.

(Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

Ferin Kidd, organizer and executive director of Black O.C., speaks during the Juneteenth event at Sasscer Park in Santa Ana on Friday.

(Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

Attendees clap during the Juneteenth event at Sasscer Park in Santa Ana on Friday.

(Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)