CRENSHAW : Juneteenth Festival Features Rap, Food

The Black Employees Assn. is sponsoring “Economic Empowerment,” a Juneteenth/Father’s Day festival June 20 that will also introduce the South Central People’s Credit Union.

The festival, in the association’s parking lot at 5462 S. Crenshaw Blvd., will feature food, African dancing, poetry, blues and rap performances, celebrities, and clowns and games for children. Comedian T.J. McGee of Fox TV’s “In Living Color” and “Def Comedy Jam” will emcee the event.

June 19, known as “Juneteenth,” celebrates June 19, 1865, when slaves in Texas were finally told of the Emancipation Proclamation. “Since the whole idea of Juneteenth is celebrating independence, this is a good time to celebrate financial independence as well,” said Clyde Johnson, president of the association and credit union.

Credit union board members will be on hand to talk about the history and function of the organization and take membership applications.

The credit union, which received its federal charter in November after five years of intense lobbying by Johnson, is the largest of its kind in the nation, serving more than 600,000 people of all colors in a 50-square-mile area. Although the credit union’s headquarters are at the association’s offices, a branch location is being sought. Johnson said a branch could be operating within the month.

Admission is $12, and proceeds will be deposited in the credit union.

Information and tickets: (213) 299-9560.