By Dr. Marie Y. Lemelle, MBA, PhD
Founder and CEO, Platinum Star Public Relations, Inc.
📍 Crystal Ballroom, Golden Sails Hotel, 6285 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA
🎟️ Free Parking | Family-Friendly | All Are Welcome
The Crystal Ballroom inside the Golden Sails Hotel in Long Beach will transform into a living tribute to the past, present, and future of Black liberation. Elizabeth “Sis Sia” Yaba, founder of Yaba TV & Radio Shows, is opening the doors—literally and spiritually—for the 1st Annual Juneteenth Cultural Celebration on June 14, 2025, from 7 PM to 11 PM.
“We’re not just putting on a show—we’re reclaiming history,” Yaba said. “Juneteenth is not just an African American story; it is an African story. And we, as Africans in the diaspora, have a responsibility to honor those who came before us with the fullness of who we are—our music, our food, our rhythm, our strength.”
Freedom Delayed, Not Denied
Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, but its meaning has been alive in Black communities for generations. The date commemorates June 19, 1865—when enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally told they were free, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. For Yaba, who was born in Sierra Leone and has spent more than three decades building multicultural bridges in Los Angeles, this celebration is long overdue.
“Our ancestors didn’t just endure—they triumphed. We owe them more than silence. We owe them song, dance, joy, and legacy,” she said.
An Evening of Culture, Community, and Celebration
From traditional African drumming to modern tributes of resilience, the evening’s program is a tapestry of cultural excellence. The stage will come alive with high-energy performances from dancers representing Senegal, Guinea, Nigeria, and Ghana. Headlining the night is international vocalist Windy Barnes and The Influentials, whose voice has filled stadiums and crossed oceans.
“We invited Windy because her voice carries soul and strength—just like the voices of our ancestors. Her music is the heartbeat of this celebration,” Yaba said.
A highlight of the evening will be a specially curated dinner with rich flavors from the African continent: jollof rice, pounded yam, efo riro (a Nigerian spinach stew), and other authentic dishes that tell the stories of migration, survival, and celebration.
“In African tradition, food is never just food—it is memory. It’s comfort. It’s community,” said Yaba. “Every bite is a conversation with our ancestors.”
Leaders Standing in Solidarity
Among those joining the celebration are community champions and public servants who understand the significance of unity:
- Sharifah Hardie, California gubernatorial candidate
- Mayor Emma Sharif, City of Compton
- Mayor Tasha Cerda, City of Gardena
- Mayor Rex Richardson, City of Long Beach
- Councilmember Bridget Lewis, City of Torrance
- Councilman Jonathan Bowers, Compton District 3
- Idrees Degas, award-winning actor
Councilman Bowers, a Compton native and longtime public servant, offered this poignant reflection: “Juneteenth reminds us that our ancestors survived the unthinkable so we could thrive. We dance not just in tribute—but in triumph. We eat the food they preserved through pain. We speak the names they were forced to forget. And we stand tall, together, because we are the legacy. We are the freedom. We are still here.”
More Than a Celebration—A Cultural Revival
Yaba is no stranger to cultural leadership. She’s the visionary behind the Yaba TV Black History Month Festival, a beloved Los Angeles tradition that has united businesses, political figures, and cultural influencers for over 30 years.
“What we’re doing on Juneteenth is bigger than one night,” she explained. “We’re planting seeds of pride, especially for the next generation. I want our children to see African dancers and say, ‘That’s my history too.’ I want them to feel rooted and lifted at the same time.”
In addition to performances and speeches, guests can shop and support local businesses and organizations at the on-site marketplace. Vendors include:
- Richard Omordia Cosmetics
- PALS, Inc. – Behavior Management Day Program
- Saving All Kids, founded by Darryl Crutchfield
- Siriya Malkia, skincare and beauty products
- Joely Simpson, Avon Independent Sales
- Dr. Moses McCutcheon, School to Success Youth Initiative
The Yaba TV Mission: Celebrating Heritage with Purpose
Since its founding in 1992, Yaba TV Los Angeles has been a voice for Black excellence and a platform for education and empowerment. The program airs every Sunday at 4 PM on KCAL-9 and is available on cable and satellite networks nationwide. With millions of viewers across the globe, Yaba’s media vision continues to center truth, heritage, and humanity.
“We tell our stories because no one else can tell them like we can,” said Yaba. “And on Juneteenth, we tell them in color, in rhythm, in flavor, and in joy.”
For media inquiries and VIP reservations, contact Sarah Downs at 562-833-8294 or visit https://yabatvlosangeles.com.
Written by:
Dr. Marie Y. Lemelle, MBA, PhD
Founder & CEO, Platinum Star Public Relations, Inc.
📞 213-276-7827 | ✉️ MarieLemelle@platinumstarpr.com
