In concert with Juneteenth programming throughout Santa Cruz County, the 5th Annual Liberation Paddle Out (LPO) provides a joyous day on the beach intended to center our Black and BIPOC community and offer people a chance to get in the water and experience the transformative power of the ocean together, many for their first time.
On June 19th, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas, with the news the Civil War had ended and enslaved were now free. Over 150 years later, we continue to commemorate Juneteenth, bring awareness of the holiday, and honor the stories and history of those who came before.
The LPO intends to center our Black community by providing a day on the beach with:
- fun games,
- groovy music,
- tasty food,
- entertainment, and
- a community art project.
This event aims to create a safe space to unite our community while centering and amplifying our local Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and POC community members and their liberation. The LPO is open to the entire community and encourages relationship-building and awareness with the general public.