CHANDLER, Ariz. — The City of Chandler’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division is partnering with several local organizations and community leaders to host four Juneteenth celebratory events. They are:

• Freedom Week Kickoff Event
  6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 16, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Performing Arts Center, 2626 E. Pecos Road
  Special guest speakers include Commissioner Sandra Kennedy, Chandler City Councilmember Christine Ellis and Dr. Matthew C. Whitaker of Diamond Strategies. A reception will follow in the Student Pavilion featuring music, live entertainment and celebration activities.

• Miss Juneteenth Pageant
  6 p.m. Friday, June 17, Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave.
  The Miss Juneteenth Pageant will showcase and celebrate the many academic and artistic achievements of contestants vying for the title of Miss Juneteenth. General admission tickets are $15 and are available for purchase online at Miss Juneteenth Pageant.

• Culture Music in the Park
  7 - 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 18, Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West, 3 S. Arizona Ave.
  Come celebrate Chandler Freedom Week with Vaughn Willis and Ear Candy, one of the most popular soulful bands in the Valley.

• Chandler Men of Action 4th Annual Mixer
  2 p.m. Sunday, June 19, Founding Father's Kitchen, 1050 W. Ray Road, Chandler
  The Juneteenth celebration continues with the Chandler Men of Action’s annual mixer and Father’s Day Celebration.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with various local community members and organizations to help educate residents about the significance of Juneteenth,” said DEI Program Manager Niki Tapia. “These events provide an opportunity to celebrate freedom and reflect on the current struggle that continues for justice and equality — all while supporting our local Black community.”

The events are presented by: BASE Arizona, Chandler4Change, Chandler Men of Action, South Chandler Self Help Foundation, City of Chandler Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Chandler Chamber of Commerce Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Chandler City Councilmember OD Harris, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Greater Phoenix Urban League Young Professionals, and the NAACP East Valley Branch.

For more information about the Juneteenth community events, visit Chandler Juneteenth, or contact the City’s DEI Division at 480-782-2214. 

View event flyer

Media contact:          
Stephanie Romero
City of Chandler, Public Information Officer
480-782-2231