A brass trio played Dixieland jazz. A ragtag group of revelers followed, twirling parasols, waving handkerchiefs and dancing to the music, in a traditional New Orleans-style second line parade.

“This is a Juneteenth celebration. This is the feeling of pure happiness. We are free.”

So began the Laguna Woods African American Heritage Club’s third annual celebration of Juneteenth – a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States – in Clubhouse 5 on June 17.

A multicultural crowd of more than 350 came in their finest finery, and a joyous vibe prevailed. All rejoiced together: “We are free.”

Annie McCary, president of the African American Heritage Club, welcomed the guests, and the Black anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” rang through the room. Laguna Woods Mayor Cynthia Conners delivered a welcoming note in praise of liberty and justice, and Bishop Willie Phillips led the crowd in prayer.

More music, dancing and rejoicing followed as the young Soul Sisters Dancers displayed their talent to African rhythms.

Then came the food, sumptuous soul food – chicken, brisket, yams, collard greens, mac ‘n’ cheese and cornbread – prepared by Luscious Jimmy’s Catering.

Doug Starks and his Higherground band rounded out the evening with soul music.

“Music, food and dance are an important part of our culture,” McCary said. “It is part of the total experience of who we are.

“The evening gave us an opportunity to invite other cultures,” she added.

Juneteenth, a combination of June and 19th, marks the day in 1865 when news reached slaves in Galveston, Texas, that they were free – more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

The day has been celebrated in the Black community for more than a century, and it became a federal holiday in  2021, celebrated on June 19 each year.

Phillips summed up the spirit of the evening. “For me, Juneteenth is a reminder that we tend to waste so much time perpetuating bad, ugly stuff when there’s so much good and beautiful stuff to enjoy,” he said in an email. “When you get right down to the bare bones of it, we people (in general) have more in common than we may want to admit. …

“We had fun, we mingled, we laughed and broke bread and built bridges together. I love you all and there ain’t nothing you can do about that.”