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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The NCAAP Bakersfield Branch hosted their 10th annual Juneteenth celebration, inviting the community to indulge and learn about Black Culture.

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Bakersfield’s largest Juneteenth event was on full display Saturday to honor the African American community’s history and contributions throughout the country and commemorating the end of slavery in 1865.

“It’s something for us as a people to be proud about, very, very proud about,” said Earth Day 661 Founder, Jay Robinson. “That’s why I’m smiling today, and that’s why it’s a big party for us.”

Those throughout Kern County–near and far gathered to unite as one–and remember the meaning of this holiday.

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“Uniting and celebrating Juneteenth, the NAACP has put together such a wonderful, wonderful event, bringing our people closer in such a loving matter and bringing unity in the community,” said Mothers Against Gang Violence’s Xenia King. “That’s what it’s all about.”

For several, this was their first Juneteenth event and needed to join in on the celebration.

“To support the African Americans and slavery and stuff like that, just to pay tribute to all the African Americans and all our brothers and sisters,” said event goer, Yvonne Mims and Denise Lincoln. “We’re all equal.”

For 20 years–Juneteenth had its first official observance in California–though the holiday is on June 19th which marks the end of slavery–locals like the Robinsons are gathering this weekend to celebrate.

“We get to gather and celebrate with each other and dance, sing, eat” said Jay Robinson. “That’s the things that we used to do, kind of in a segregated sense. But now it’s free for us to do it in the public and open without harm, without anyone actually having a problem.”

“We’re really big on community and just bringing people together,” said Jay’s wife, Natasha Robinson. “So, the fact that we have this Juneteenth Celebration in Bakersfield, it’s amazing. We’ve spread the word into so many people that want to see what it’s about. Especially, Juneteenth wasn’t a known holiday until recently, so to have everybody come out together and get to know the culture, it’s a beautiful thing.”