San Marcos, CA Two San Marcos residents will host its inaugural Juneteenth celebration on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the campus of California State University San Marcos (CSUSM). This vibrant and meaningful event, spearheaded by podcast hosts Lionel and Natalie Saulsberry, will honor the history, resilience, and contributions of the Black community while fostering unity, education, and celebration.
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, marks the day — June 19, 1865 — when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their emancipation, nearly two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring fight for freedom and equality in the United States. “Juneteenth is not just Black history — it’s American history,” said Lionel Saulsberry, co-founder of the event and co-host of the Couples Unfiltered podcast. “This celebration is an opportunity for our entire community to come together, learn, reflect, and rejoice in the progress we’ve made while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead.” The San Marcos Juneteenth celebration will feature dynamic live performances, keynote speakers, educational exhibits, and family-friendly activities designed to educate and engage attendees. Local businesses, food vendors, and community organizations will also be present.
A special ticketed VIP experience, known as the Emancipation Lounge, will offer an elevated culinary showcase curated by Chef Kelston Moore, Co-founder and CEO of Bad Boyz of Culinary and Chef de Cuisine at Fox Point Farms Haven Farm+Table. Guests in the Emancipation Lounge will enjoy upscale small bites crafted with heart and heritage from a stellar lineup of Black chefs from across San Diego County, including Chef Tony Bennett Jr., Program Director of Bad Boyz of Culinary and founder of The Chef Tony Experience; Chef DuVal Warner of Ranch 45 in Solana Beach; Chef Cameron Dixon, Chef de Cuisine at The Omni La Costa Hotel; and Chef Maryann Green, Sous Chef at The Grant Grill inside The U.S. Grant Hotel. Attendees will also have the chance to meet the chefs, hear the stories behind each dish, and connect over culture and cuisine in an intimate setting. Tickets for the Emancipation Lounge are $65 each, which includes parking. Space is limited, and tickets are available now at Eventbrite.com under Juneteenth San Marcos.
A portion of the proceeds from the VIP experience will support Bad Boyz of Culinary and AIM: Achievement in Motion, a nonprofit organization based in Oceanside, CA. Emceeing the event will be Zeke Corley, owner of A Different Day Radio Production Company, who will bring warmth, energy, and insight to the day’s festivities. “We’re especially proud of how this event reflects collaboration and community,” added Natalie. “We work closely with Zeke Corley, The Film Hub and Star Fox Media through our podcasting business — they’re not just sponsors, they’re like family. Their support has meant everything in helping bring this vision to life.”
This event in San Marcos is not just about commemorating the past, but about educating future generations and building a community that values diversity and inclusion. The general portion of the event is free and open to the public. Organizations and businesses interested in supporting this meaningful celebration are encouraged to reach out for more information.
For full event details and VIP ticket information, visit https://couplesunfiltered.com/juneteenth.
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