Chaffey College Hosts Annual Juneteenth Celebration

On Thursday, June 18, 2026, Chaffey College hosted a celebration in honor of Juneteenth in the quad area of the Rancho Cucamonga campus. Juneteenth is officially recognized on June 19, and is the commemoration of the end of slavery in America. This is due to the fact that June 19, 1865, was the day troops rode into Galveston, Texas, to announce that the current slave population was now free.

Walking into the event brought you down a timeline freedom walk showcasing famous freedom fighters and activists who have helped pave the way for so many. Posters leading down to a colorful balloon arch sporting red, black, green and yellow welcomed attendees right into the heart of Chaffey College.

Entrance to Chaffey College’s Juneteenth celebration. Photo by Max Morici

Walking around, there were many engaging activities, such as a “make your own zine” station, where community members and students could create their own freedom zines. With cutout quotes of famous activists and images of freedom fighters, participants crafted their own keepsakes of this special day.

A photo booth was set up to capture the emotions of the event in real time. Props and signs were provided, and everything was free of charge. Photos were printed right on the spot as another bit of free fun to add to this day celebrating Juneteenth.

Chaffey College’s Photo Booth machine at the Juneteenth Celebration. Photo by Max Morici

The event also hosted live music performing covers of classic African American hits like Luther Vandross’ “So Amazing”. The music brought a cultural ambiance to the event and kept the energy high throughout the two-hour program.

Live band and singer at Chaffey College’s Juneteenth Event. Photo by Max Morici

Food was provided for free with the submission of a quick survey to see what attendees thought, what went well, and where possible improvements could be made. Seasoned pork and chicken over a steaming bed of rice, mixed vegetables, side salad and a piece of cornbread made up the main course. A choice of dessert was provided as well, along with free ice cream provided by Brusters.

Photo 1: Food from Chaffey College’s Juneteenth Event. Photo 2: Bruster’s Ice Cream Truck at Chaffey College’s Juneteenth Event. Both photos by Max Morici

With full bellies, live music, activities and free swag, the only thing left to do was socialize.

Local community member Philip E. Walker, who has attended Chaffey College's Juneteenth celebration every year for the last six years, had nothing but positive things to say about the school and community that it has fostered. He highlighted how warm and welcoming the campus felt, the sense of openness and acceptance that he saw among the attendees, and the accessibility to the event that Chaffey had provided.

“Juneteenth isn’t just about black folks; it's about freedom for everyone. It's a testament to what can happen when we stand together. We need to be reminded that we are all one.”

Walker's message rang out to me that inclusiveness and acceptance are always a two-way street. Bridging these imaginary gaps between us to merge everything that we think we are and truly see ourselves as one people. Juneteenth reminds us that many fought and died for the opportunity for us to live and grow together.

Head of student equity and engagement, Albert Rodriguez, stated that the event had a very good turnout, despite the fact that the summer semester at Chaffey has far less student attendance than a full-term semester. Over the course of the event, several hundred staff, students, family and community members came together to enjoy the heart of the human experience, food, music, fun and community.

While this was the last event of the academic year to be hosted by Chaffey, Albert Rodriguez assured that many more exciting events are planned for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.

Walking out under the balloon arch, listening to the sound of laughter, conversations and Aretha Franklin covers fading into the background, the images of smiling faces left a warm feeling of community and togetherness that filled the heart.

Chaffey College continues to set great examples of putting real effort and resources behind important events that enrich a student's experience.