Spectators paused from their morning walks or jogs to the Ferry Building Farmers’ Market to snap photos of classic Skylark, Mustang and Cutlass cars lined up along Spear Street and Market Street. Black members of the Fo’Fifteen Car Club were ready by 10 a.m. and waiting to take part in San Francisco’s first Juneteenth parade through downtown.

In partnership with the non-profit organization Livable City, organizers based in Bayview and Fillmore were able to bring the procession to the city’s streets. Livable City is best known for Sunday Streets, a citywide campaign bringing a day of car-free streets and free, family-friendly fun activities to different parts of the city.

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The 1.5-mile parade began at around 11 a.m. at Market and Spear and moved toward Civic Center Plaza while unmistakably displaying the pride and joy of Black people, something of its size and scale on the streets of San Francisco is rarely seen.

Thousands of people gathered to watch the parade of black families, organizations and neighbors. Mayor London Breed led the parade in a classic cable car. The parade kicked off several weeks of events honoring the hard-won legacy of black freedom, both past and present.

Juneteenth refers to June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers reached Galveston, Texas, two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation ending slavery. Over 250,000 blacks were still enslaved when soldiers arrived on the Texas plantations to end the Confederate occupation of the region.

A parade goer holds a flag at the Juneteenth parade on Saturday. | Eloise Kelsey

Many Bay Area cities celebrated the holiday for the first time in 2022. The day of celebration — also known as Freedom Day, Liberation Day, or Jubilee Day — was separated in San Francisco’s Bayview and Fillmore counties celebrated for over 70 years. Saturday’s parade was a show of inter-county solidarity, uniting the city’s small but powerful black community.

With ongoing reports of San Francisco’s declining black population, the Juneteenth Parade has another meaning for the black community — it’s a symbol of resilience.

State and local officials were present to support the parade, including State Senator Scott Wiener, who waved to the crowd from a green skylark; City Treasurer Jose Cisneros, who nodded his head as he was chauffeured in a black Buick Regal; and Superintendent Myrna Melgar, who rode a bicycle and wore bright green feathers in her helmet.

The sounds of San Francisco rappers San Quinn, RBL Posse, StunnaMan02 and Larry June rang out from floats, motorcycles and vintage cars as they passed Powell Street. KBLX-FM 102.9 radio station host Antoine Davis introduced each float and parade participant, including black firefighters, motorcycle officers from the San Francisco Police Department and EMTs.

The inaugural parade also signals San Francisco visitors and residents that June 19 is a culturally significant holiday for the city, as do the annual Pride celebrations held in June each year and Chinatown’s New Year celebrations in February.

Dancers from the Lyric Performing Arts Center and Feline Finesse Dance Company demonstrated their moves. Performers from the African American Shakespeare Company, dressed in costumes from their recent production of Cinderella, walked in front of the Oakland Black Cowboy Association. Admiringly, the children gathered around a little pony led by club president Wilbert F. McAlister.

The procession returned to the Ferry Building for “Juneteenth on the Waterfront,” as part of a series titled “Pop-Ups on the Plaza,” which showcased black-owned shops and food. The events are organized by Foodwise and MegaBlack SF. Saturday’s event featured a Foodwise classroom entitled Black Chefs and Wine Makers Talk.

A wide variety of food vendors served the fair, including ribs from Lil’ Alijo Catering & Events, Mo’Raysha’s lobster mac & cheese and drinks from The Lemonade Bar. Gumbo Social, which recently opened its brick-and-mortar location in Bayview, was featured with its signature savory gumbo present.

At the end of the parade route there were neither speeches nor grand gestures. For many, the first Juneteenth Parade in San Francisco was an opportunity to experience San Francisco and the black community of the greater Bay Area in authentic and indigenous celebration, despite the holiday’s origins in desperation.

The parade was just the beginning of the celebration of black justice and liberation. Breed will host the official ceremony at San Francisco City Hall on Friday, followed by a week of celebrations. Activities take place across the city, including the 73rd annual Fillmore Juneteenth Freedom Festival on Saturday, which features eight blocks full of family-friendly activities, performances, games and rides. The Bayview Juneteenth celebration takes place at Gilman Park on Sunday.

The post San Francisco’s First Citywide Parade Celebrating Black Liberation Kicks Off Juneteenth Festivities appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) — Police in San Francisco on Friday confirmed they are preparing to handle any football-related festivities in connection with the 49ers playing NFC Championship game against the Los Angeles Rams.

A statement from San Francisco Police Department Public Information Officer Robert Rueca said the SFPD will be ready to address any “public safety issues that might arise.”

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In January of 2020, when the team beat the Green Bay Packers to get into the Super Bowl for the first time since moving to Levi’s Stadium, law enforcement faced some challenges between a number of spontaneous celebratory sideshows that erupted in the Mission and elsewhere, as well reports of illegal fireworks and vandalism.

With additional officers deployed throughout San Francisco on Sunday, the department is planning to “have sufficient resources to respond to routine calls in all police districts for service as well as game related calls.”

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Both uniformed and plainclothes officers will be patrolling in police vehicles, motorcycles and on foot and bicycle. The SFPD is also working with local, state and federal partners as well as involvement from the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office, the San Francisco Fire Department, the city’s Department of Emergency Management, the Department of Public Works and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.

Police also want to remind residents and those visiting the city to celebrate responsibly and avoid drinking and driving, noting that they will be looking for impaired drivers.

“Use a designated driver, public transportation, taxi or ride share. DUI doesn’t just mean alcohol,” Rueca said. “DUI includes medications and cannabis products as well.”

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Rueca said that there are currently “no known credible threats” to San Francisco, but he also encouraged the public to report any suspicious or criminal activity.

The post San Francisco Police Getting ready for Niner Fan Festivities on Sunday – CBS San Francisco appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Any other year June would have been full of parades, celebrations, and parties to celebrate the 50th anniversary of San Francisco Pride.

This year, the COVID-19 pandemic changed those plans and canceled all face-to-face gatherings for the foreseeable future. But that doesn’t mean that SF Pride will be canceled. Circumstances inspired the vibrant community to move celebrations into the virtual landscape and even partner with other organizations around the world to honor and recognize the Bay Area’s diverse queer community.

Here’s a look at what virtual events are planned for the 50th anniversary of San Francisco Pride:

Proud in San Francisco, June 24, 2018. Photo: Mason Trinca, special for the chronicle

Lavender Talks: A Celebration of the 2020 SF Pride Award Winners

This discussion is the fourth in a series of moderated panels presented by the Commonwealth Club. It will be hosted by Michelle Meow, a radio host and former president of the SF Pride Board of Directors. Confirmed panelists for the discussion are storyteller Gabby Rivera, artistic director of the San Francisco Lesbian / Gay Freedom Band Mike Wong, and activist Cleve Jones.

Thursday, June 25th, 12pm – 1pm. Free of charge, registration required and available at bit.ly/lavendertalkscommonwealth. Recordings of previous Lavender Talks can be found at www.sfpride.org/lavender-talks.

Openhouse LGBTQ Virtual Senior Prom

Openhouse, a San Francisco nonprofit that provides residential assistance, social services, and community to LGBTQ seniors, plans to host its annual LGBTQ prom through video conferencing and Facebook Live.

Typically held in the Green Room of the San Francisco War Memorial, this intergenerational dance re-introduces high school prom for seniors whose high school memories may not be as sweet as others. The night will include performances by community members and special friends of Openhouse. The Openhouse Dance Troupe plans to lead the guests into a socially distant dance routine. For community members without internet access, the organization is looking for a solution to include them in the celebration.

Thursday, June 25th, 4-6pm. Free. For more information, see www.openhouse-sf.org or follow the organization on Facebook below www.facebook.com/openhouseSF.

Frameline organizers will host a four day virtual film festival during Pride Week. Photo: frame line

Frameline44 Pride Showcase

The four-day virtual film festival, presented in partnership with the Castro Theater, includes a preview of “Ahead of the Curve” – Jen Rainin’s documentary about the founder of Curve magazine, Franco Stevens – as well as the return of perennial favorites “Fun in Boys Short Films ”,“ Fun in Girls Shorts ”and“ Transtastic ”, a showcase for the best short films.

The world premiere of “Ahead of the Curve” is scheduled for Saturday, June 27th at the West Wind Solano Drive-In Theater in Concord.

Thursday-Sunday, 25.-28. June. $ 8 to $ 10 per screening; $ 250 for the pass, which is valid all year round. www.frameline.org.

Trans March 2020

This march is San Francisco’s premier trans Pride event and one of the largest honoring the country’s transgender culture. The event, which always takes place on the Friday before SF Pride, will take place for the first time in 2020 with multiple online appearances and surprises due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Friday June 26th. Free. For more information and programming, visit bit.ly/transmarch2020.

Uber participants carry the flag of pride during the 2018 San Francisco Pride Parade. Photo: Mason Trinca, special for the chronicle

Global Pride 2020

SF Pride works with other organizations whose personal events have been canceled due to the crisis. The 24-hour live streaming event features performances, speeches by activists and public figures, and other content to celebrate the diverse populations of the LGBTQ community around the world.

Saturday June 27th. Free. www.globalpride2020.org

Thousands gather to watch the 2018 San Francisco Pride Parade. Photo: Mason Trinca, special for the chronicle

2020 San Francisco Pride Online Celebration

The organization plans to offer a variety of live and recorded music performances, including from New Orleans artist Big Freedia, pop star Betty Who, and transgender artist Urias; Greetings from elected officials; and reflections on the 50th anniversary of the celebration of the city’s lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual pride.

San Francisco’s Pride Board of Directors announced Tuesday, June 23, that Grammy-winning singer and Motown legend Thelma Houston will headline Sunday’s online celebration. The weekend virtual event will also boost the black voices with a spotlight segment about Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza. a celebration of the underground ballroom community with participants from the HBO Max series “Legendary” and a special appearance by the famous Grand Marshal W. Kamau Bell.

Saturday, June 27th, 1pm to 9pm; Sunday, June 28th, 2-7pm. Free. More information and access at www.sfpride.org

Gary Virginia and Donna Sachets 22nd Annual Pride Brunch

The annual event is reinterpreted as a 90-minute live streaming fundraiser with a kitchen cook-off where viewers can vote for a Pride Brunch Top Chef. The brunch also plans to recognize the Grand Marshals and award winners of the LGBT Pride Parade in San Francisco.

Tune-in-only tickets are available for a suggested donation of $ 50. A $ 100 package includes participation in virtual events, an Uber Eats-delivered brunch, gift bag delivery, access to online auction bids, and an invitation to a post-Pride party at the Castro Theater this fall (date to be announced). The proceeds will go to the Positive Resource Center.

Noon-1:30 p.m. June 27th. $ 50- $ 100 per person. Live stream access and tickets available at bit.ly/PrideBrunch20.

Patricia Cumbelich photographs the Pink Triangle installation on Twin Peaks on June 25, 2016. Photo: Michael Macor, Die Chronik

Light the pink triangle

This year’s Pink Triangle celebration will look a little different thanks to a special partnership with the nonprofit Illuminate, which also worked on the Bay Lights digital art installation that illuminates the western span of the Bay Bridge.

Over the past few years, hundreds of volunteers have gathered at Twin Peaks in San Francisco to put together the Pink Triangle as a symbol of hope and inclusion. In 2020, the symbol will shine brightly with more than 2,700 LED nodes, making the Tribute a brighter symbol than ever.

The major lighting event will be broadcast live when the sun sets on Saturday June 27th. The installation will then be illuminated every night for three weeks to commemorate resilience in memory of the HIV / AIDS crisis as well as the current COVID-19 crisis.

Saturday, June 27th, 8 p.m. Free. www.illuminatethepinktriangle.org

Pride 50: Generations of Hope

A new CBS television special, titled “Pride 50: Generations of Hope,” premieres on Sunday June 28th, marking the 50th anniversary of San Francisco Pride. The special will include archive parade material, as well as anecdotes, reflections and thoughts from many of the people who helped plan the popular Bay Area event over the years.

Sunday, June 28th, 5pm to 8pm. Free. Broadcast on KPIX and KBCW in the Bay Area. Live stream available at www.sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com.

The online exhibition 50 Years of Pride of the GLBT Historical Society

The GLBT Historical Society has unveiled an online version of the upcoming photo exhibition, which will be on display at San Francisco City Hall, and which will feature more than 100 photos from five decades of the city’s Pride celebrations. “50 Years of Pride” is curated by Lenore Chinn and Pamela Peniston and presented by the GLBT Historical Society and the galleries of the San Francisco Arts Commission with the support of San Francisco Pride.

The Society also launched another online exhibit titled “Labor of Love: The Birth of San Francisco Pride,” which chronicles the organizations’ early years. The exhibition was curated by Gerard Koskovich, Don Romesburg and Amy Sueyoshi.

Access the exhibits at www.glbthistory.org/50-years-of-pride and www.glbthistory.org/labor-of-love.

The 2019 Pride Parade in San Francisco. Photo: Jana Asenbrennerova, Special on The Chronicle

Chronicle calendar producer Anne Schrager contributed to this list.

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