Arts & Events

There's a Bright Side Some Where, a Juneteenth community sing, by Friends of Negro Spirituals, will be held this Sunday, June 19, 3-5 p. m. at the West Oakland Senior Center, 1724 Adeline, near 18th, Oakland--an unusual Juneteenth celebration announced by FNS founder Sam Edwards. 

The celebration will include Berkeley High music and history teacher, baritone Wendell Brooks, speaking on the life experiences of slaves in spirituals and singing with the audience; Donna Vaughn sharing memories passed down through her family about Union soldiers in North Carolina; actor-former activist Norman Brown reading the Emancipation Proclamation; and musician Dr. Martian Jones demonstrating musical street cries of berry vendors in New Orleans. 

Juneteenth began on June 19, 1865, when General Gordon Granger of the Union Army announced the end of slavery in Galveston, Texas. The former slaves started an annual celebration that's widened around the country over the years. 

$10-$20 at the door (children under 13 free).