Peninsula celebrates Juneteenth all month

To honor the history and celebrate Black American culture, the Redwood City Public Library is hosting various events and programs to educate residents and tap into their creative side. 

“We want to give different opportunities to learn about the traditions of Juneteenth in ways that might be different to engage in, like cooking, quilting, poetry,” Interim Library Director Sarah La Torra said. 

Throughout the month, story times at the library will feature stories on the themes of liberation, community, triumph, joy and freedom. With limited options of apt books for story time on Juneteenth, specifically, La Torra said the programs planning committee decided to focus on associated themes of the holiday. 

“We’re able to make it more broad and encompassing of concepts and feeling behind Juneteenth,” La Torra said. “This helps kids understand this is something we should be celebrating.” 

On June 10, Foster City resident Lois Fried discussed the impact of African American history and culture on the county, and guide attendees in a mini poetry workshop. Another program honoring the practice of poetry will also be Thursday, June 12. In partnership with Cañada College, the library will host an open mic night to hear poetry, spoken word and other performances at the community college’s main theater from 6-8:30 p.m.

“Poetry is an avenue to express yourself, how you’re feeling about a moment, how something’s impacting you,” La Torra said. “I do find it’s a great way to connect with others.” 

In addition to poetry, another art form the library is looking to embrace is quilt making. 

“We want to celebrate and explore different types of art so people can engage in whatever level feels comfortable to them,” La Torra said. 

Residents will have three opportunities to learn about the history of the Gee’s Bend quilting tradition, which arose during the 19th century when enslaved women from Boykin, Alabama — otherwise known as Gee’s Bend — began quilting for warmth. 

Focused on making thick blankets rather than practicing an art form, the quilts were made by piecing together any amiable scraps of fabric or clothing resulting in abstract designs not previously expressed on quilts. This style was passed down through generations, and ultimately became acclaimed as homegrown American art. 

“This style is notable because you can see the quilting style passed down through the generations,” said Lucy Palasek, who will be leading the quilting sessions. “A lot of the quilts have information about the makers and their names which is less common among quilting.” 

Residents of all sewing skill levels can learn more and create their own miniquilt to take home June 12 at the downtown library makerspace at 10:30 a.m. A third opportunity will be held on June 25 at the downtown library makerspace at 6:30 p.m. 

Palasek emphasized the accessibility of the art form. 

At 10 a.m. June 11, San Mateo County held a flag raising ceremony for Juneteenth, featuring Supervisor Lisa Gauthier and music at County Center. 

The city of San Bruno hosted its own Juneteenth celebration at the San Bruno City Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 7, with barbecue lunch, music, crafts and community. 

The San Mateo Public Library is hosting a Juneteenth Film Festival, featuring films shown on the third Monday of the month during the summer from 6-8 p.m. in the Oak Room at the San Mateo Main Library.

At the South San Francisco Library Parks and Recreation Center, an author talk will be hosted with authors J.R. Rice and Lee Forrester who will share their stories and books at 6:40 p.m. Thursday, June 26.

“It’s great we live in such an open area that wants to embrace different voice,” La Torra said. “The library has an opportunity to play a pivotal role in that celebration.”