At the February 18 meeting, the city council approved a proposal to increase the budget for West Hollywood’s annual Juneteenth celebration in 2025. The request, driven by the Social Justice Advisory Board, seeks to raise the budget from $2,000 to $10,000 to support the growing scale of the event, which will take place at West Hollywood Park on June 21, 2025.
Several community members spoke in support of the budget increase, including longtime West Hollywood resident Craig Williams. He advocated for the event to be framed as not just a commemoration, but as a celebration and demonstration of the city’s commitment to inclusion and diversity. Williams emphasized that Black people are entrepreneurs and consumers, and noted the potential for the Juneteenth event to contribute to revitalizing West Hollywood’s east side, which has several vacant storefronts. “This is an opportunity for West Hollywood to embrace and engage a demographic that can accomplish those goals,” Williams explained.
Tod Hallman, a 30-year resident of West Hollywood and Public Safety Commissioner, also spoke passionately about the importance of the Juneteenth celebration. Hallman, who has been vocal in the past about his dissatisfaction with previous events, expressed hope that this year’s celebration would be different. “We need this to be a jubilant Juneteenth celebration,” Hallman urged, citing the current social climate and the importance of promoting social justice. He also called for stronger support for the Social Justice Advisory Board, emphasizing that its work impacts the entire community. “People of color coming on Friday and Saturday nights to West Hollywood does not diversity make.” Hallman urged the city to do more to foster inclusivity beyond just special events. “I give a lot to this city, I love this city, but at the end of the day I’m a queer black man without a tribe in this city. I don’t want the next generation to feel that way.”
Business owner Jonathan Wilson also voiced his support for the event, noting that his company, along with UCLA, is considering financial contributions to help support the Juneteenth celebration. Wilson acknowledged that while the financial details are still being worked out, the significance of the event is clear. “This is such a big moment,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of uplifting marginalized communities in the face of changing national policies. Wilson also expressed gratitude to the City Council for moving the event forward, despite the complexities of funding in the current climate.
The requested budget increase will support a variety of event components, including higher production costs, food and beverage services, and additional vendor booths. The event will feature a speaker stage, panel discussions, live performances, and a focus on Black-owned and BIPOC-owned businesses. The Council also approved the waiver of fees for necessary permits, as well as parking validation for attendees.
This year’s Juneteenth celebration is expected to draw more attendees than previous years, with organizers aiming to make the event a jubilant and inclusive occasion. By expanding the scope of the event and investing in the celebration of Black culture and business, West Hollywood continues its commitment to social justice, diversity, and community engagement. The celebration will offer an important opportunity for reflection and recognition, as well as a platform for local business owners and community members to come together.
it seems to me the city should be a little more serious in attracting black residents. A $10,000 expenditure for this oh so very important celebration for a brighter tomorrow and more inclusive future deserves more than only a $.25 contribution per resident. I would think the average West Hollywood liberal white would gladly approve a $1 Contribution each. Doesn’t $35,000 send the kind of message to the black community that the city should be sending?
Lily-white WeHo celebrating Juneteenth is peak virtue-signaling.
We need to stop having holidays for individual groups. It just pushes citizens further apart.
One public commenter lamented that they are “a queer black man without a tribe in this city”. This speaks to the identity politics bullpucky that permeates civic discourse in this tiny 1.9 square miles of 36,000 or so people. Everyone thinks that municipal governance has an obligation to create tribes (through public financing!!!). Government at all levels has an obligation to create a safe place for all to be themselves and express themselves and find their own damned tribes. Government should not be in the business of creating winners and losers. Find and create your wins and be a winner.… Read more »
I’m sorry, but if I moved to a city that only had 4% gay people, I wouldn’t expect that city to spend $$$ on making ME feel that I had my “tribe.” I’m originally from Sweden, I certainly don’t feel like I have my Swedish “tribe” here in West Hollywood. I don’t expect outreach to my former homeland to make more satisfied. I think Mr. Hallman should focus on the many reasons why he chose to call this city his home and be happy he is living where he wants to live. Moving to the US was the best decision… Read more »