Brother Yusef (Photo – cityofpasadena)
Community members of all ages are invited to celebrate Juneteenth today with an engaging musical presentation by acclaimed blues artist Brother Yusef, known as the “King of FattBack Blues,” at Pasadena Public Library’s La Pintoresca Branch.
By News Desk
The free event will take place on Friday, June 19, from noon to 1:00 pm at the branch, located at 1355 N. Raymond Ave., and will feature a solo blues performance blending soulful singing, rhythmic stomping and clapping, and captivating storytelling rooted in the blues tradition.
Organizers say no prior knowledge of blues music is necessary to enjoy the experience.
“The emotional core of the blues is completely universal,” library officials noted, highlighting the genre’s ability to connect people through shared human experiences.
The performance is part of the library’s observance of Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day. One of the nation’s oldest commemorations of the abolition of slavery, Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
The name “Juneteenth” combines the words “June” and “nineteenth” and has been celebrated in African American communities for generations. In 2021, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday in the United States.
In addition to attending the performance, residents are encouraged to deepen their understanding of Juneteenth by exploring books and resources available through Pasadena Public Library. Visitors can stop by any library branch or browse the library’s Reading Recommendations page for personalized suggestions related to the history and significance of the holiday.
The event is free and open to the public.
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