LEIMERT PARK : Juneteenth Festival Will Begin Monday

A festival celebrating Juneteenth, which marks the freeing of American slaves 130 years ago, will begin at noon Monday at Crenshaw Boulevard and Vernon Avenue.

The family picnic-style event will feature free traditional Juneteenth fare--watermelons, strawberry soda and a barbecue--as well as musical and other entertainment.

Sponsors and participants include County Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, Deputy Mayor Rae James, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chief Executive Officer Franklin White and members of the Crenshaw Chamber of Commerce.

The event was coordinated by the Community Transportation Oversight Committee, a community liaison group to the MTA that includes Crenshaw-area residents.

Politicians and participants will speak on the festival’s theme, “Transportation: Past, Present and Future,” by detailing plans for the Crenshaw/Prairie corridor rail line and other projects. Speakers will begin their program at 6:30 p.m.

Information: (213) 294-4831.