Celebrating Juneteenth with Romeo, LaMarr Lubin, Abiodun Koya and Britt J and Demann | PHOTOs
*(Hawthorne, CA) – The City of Hawthorne, “The City of Good Neighbors” presented their annual Juneteenth Celebration, Saturday, June 14, 2025. The celebration was held outside of Hawthorne City Hall from 11:00am-4:00pm.
The celebration featured live music, face paintings, vendors, jumpers, rock wall climbing, classic car show, food trucks, arts and crafts and much more! The City of Hawthorne’s Juneteenth celebration was significant on several levels. The event was held during Black Music Month, on Flag Day, Saturday June 14 and a day before Father’s Day.
The celebration is growing in popularity as evident by the diverse, multi-cultural crowd in attendance. The celebration was one of many held throughout Los Angeles County. Juneteenth Celebration in Hawthorne was part of nationwide celebrations on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
Hawthorne City officials were in attendance. Mayor Pro-Tem Alex Monteiro, City Manager Vontray Norris, City Clerk Dayna Hunter-Williams, City Councilmembers Katrina Manning and Faye Johnson, City Treasurer Marie Poindexter, Kimberly Mack-Director of Hawthorne’s Housing Department, Kywanna Bowie- Community Services Manager, and city employees and their families.
Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro served as emcee. The program got underway with Eiress Wicks performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” the Negro National Anthem.
The program kicked into high gear with DJ JIJI Sweet on deck of the ones and twos. DJ JIJI Sweet complemented the festivities while spinning an eclectic soundtrack in between live performance.
Singer, Songwriter, and guitarist Eiress Wicks returned to the stage to perform an uplifting arrangement of “Stand By Me.”
Fantasia Dance Ensemble consisted of talented young dancers. One group danced to the music of The Lion King. The second group rocked out on “Fantastic Voyage.”
Abiodun Koya is a classically train opera singer. Abi Koya graced the stage to showcase her heavenly vocals on some Nigerian folktales “Three Friends,” and a couple of popular songs “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”
J.W.B. Band had the crowd grooving with some soulful sounds during their time in the spotlight. The band performed a timeless classic track “What’s Going On,” and “Love Train.” These were two relevant selections considering the peaceful protests that happened across the nation on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
LaMarr “Deuce” Lubin entertained the crowd with a couple of old school selections. The highlight of his set was the performance of two original tracks, “Just Like That,” and “This is for My Homie.”
Romeo and Mass Appeal took the festivities up a notch. They transformed Hawthorne’s Juneteenth celebration into an old school funk and soulful house party. The band consisted of Romeo on vocals, Marisa Bautista, vocals, Karlos Mancia on guitar and TP on drums. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, this is the same Romeo that you hear rockin the mic on 93.5 KDAY, Monday through Saturday, from 6AM-10AM.
Back by popular demand, Britt J and Demann added their special artistic touch to the success of Hawthorne’s Juneteenth Celebration. Britt J is another popular on-air radio personality that can be heard on 100.9FM the Heat.
Families were able to enjoy a variety of activities during the Juneteenth Celebration. Face painting, jumpers, rock climbing wall, STEM Zone to exploring local crafts vendor booths. Attendees were able to indulge in a variety of culinary delights: P-Trains BBQ, Batter Berries Café, Kona Ice, and Doskoi Style. Free ice cream provided by Kinecta Federal Credit Union. Hawthorne Police Department provided free popcorn. The car show consisted of several vintage cars on display.
This year’s Juneteenth Celebration serves as a testament to Hawthorne’s dedication to fostering unity, diversity, and inclusivity. “By honoring our shared history and heritage, we affirm our commitment to creating a future where every individual is valued and respected.” A statement from the City of Hawthorne.
Hawthorne “The City of Good Neighbors” is constantly moving the proverbial needle. Consider what has been accomplished in the first half of the year.
The Juneteenth Celebration is another example of “The City of Good Neighbors” on the move. Past events/projects in the “City of Good Neighbors” were the beginning construction of a new City Yard, an expanded Senior Center in January 2025.
The well attended inaugural Black History Month Celebration in February. Spring Community Cleanup, Crenshaw Village Façade Groundbreaking Ceremony and Women’s History Month Celebration in March.
The city welcomed two new businesses in April with ribbon ceremonies for Catalyst and Stiiizy. Three signature events returned in April: Earth Day/Service Provider Fair, Hawthorne Business Expo and the Autism Awareness Walk.
The month of May, Art Festival on May 1, followed by Launch Pad Ribbon Cutting and the annual Mother’s Day Brunch. The City of Hawthorne celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of Bridge of Hope and Zela Davis Park Ribbon Cutting. The popular Hawthorne Police Department K9 Community Fundraiser Dinner was well attended. As well as the National Police Week Celebration followed by the 49th Annual Medal of Valor Luncheon. The Dodgers Dream Field Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held on May 17 at the Jim Thorpe Park, 14100 Prairie Avenue. This is welcome news for the local Little League teams. The “City of Good Neighbors “closed out the month celebrating Memorial Day on Monday, May 26.
Summer is just around the corner. The City of Hawthorne will continue to host an impressive array of exciting events. I’m looking forward to the popular series of Movies in the Park, July 11, 18 and 25!!!
As you can see, the City of Hawthorne continues to host a diverse range of events, their commitment and their intentions of building community connections remains strong.
The various events and gatherings celebrate local culture and values while providing valuable resources and opportunities for residents to engage with another, embodying its motto “The City of Good Neighbors.”
Stay connected on social media, so that you can get info on community events. Visit City of Hawthorne special events page, https://www.cityofhawthorne.org/department/community-services or call the Community Services Department at (310) 349-1640.
Ricky Richardson is a Southern California based writer, music reviewer and photographer. Contact him via: liltampared@netzero.net
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