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Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the U.S., celebrating African American freedom and achievements. Our partner, Openhouse, and San Francisco AIDS Foundation, commemorated this historic day with a special event focusing on joy and freedom. This is the third Juneteenth celebration by Openhouse, offering a day of black joy, performances, and a meal for attendees. Isaiah Meade, Aging and Disability Specialist and one of the organizers for the event, emphasized the significance of this day: “In addition to joy we are also celebrating freedom. A lot of the elders here had to fight for their freedom both in the past and to this very day. The freedom to love, the freedom to live, and the freedom to be authentically Black makes this Juneteenth [event] so important and integral.” While Brian from the SF AIDS Foundation highlighted the long-standing relationship with Openhouse: “Most folks in our community are aging and getting older. We want to provide information and resources for the aging community. Juneteenth has been celebrated in many parts of the US for years, but only recently became a national holiday. The themes of liberation and freedom remind us to remember the past but also look to the future.” Event also featured soulful performances by Iman, a PoC Deaf performing artist and ASL interpreter, passionate about accessibility and community upliftment. Miss Bea Haven, a storyteller and performer from Haiti, using their art to educate and inspire in the face of systemic oppression. And, of course, host Beatrice Thomas, a self-proclaimed social justice drag queen who left the desk behind to mastermind Black Benatar's Black Magic Cabaret. Proud to honor this day together! #Juneteenth #community #freedom

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