Juneteenth commemorates when the last enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed of their freedom on June 19th, 1865 – a full two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Black/African American communities across the country have marked Juneteenth with celebration and organizing efforts centered on supporting and uplifting Black life.
In 2018, driven community members Simone Ruskamp, Chiany Dri, and Jordan Killebrew have brought a reiteration of Juneteenth back to Santa Barbara as several Black/African American Elders have celebrated in our region in the past.
Juneteenth Santa Barbara’s annual event has grown each year, with an array of Black community members sharing their stories and showcasing their work and collective histories.
For 2025, Juneteenth Santa Barbara welcomes the community at large to their seventh year of celebrating Juneteenth in Santa Barbara! Their celebration will be on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 11 am – 6 pm, at Plaza Del Mar/Band Shell Park at Castillo Street and Cabrillo/Shoreline Streets. This year’s theme, “Hope for The People,” invokes the emotion of hope and the strengthening of hope that comes with gathering together. The event is free and the public is encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blankets, and the family – and stay a while and enjoy the day!
The celebration includes live music, food trucks, vendors, free activities for children, and games. For the first time, the event will feature a beer and wine garden for attendees 21 years of age and older. The event also features a Black Artisan Market, which includes a multitude of Black-led community organizations, creatives, and nonprofits showcasing their work at their booths.
We’re excited to experience Juneteenth SB’s 2025 Celebration and are thrilled to see the recognition of these individuals’ talents and contributions to our community. We’ve included some information about the artists and the founders below in hopes that you’ll be inspired to support, connect and collaborate with them well beyond this year’s festivities.
Meet the artists:
DJ PTRK LMR
DJ PTRK LMR is a DJ and “vibe chaser” based in Santa Barbara, CA, with a focus on Future Beats, Afro Beats, Amapiano, Hip-Hop/Rap, R&B, and various subgenres of House music.
Pastor David Moore
The Rev. Dr. David N. Moore, Jr. (he/him/) is a pastor, theologian, human rights advocate, story-listener, adjunct university professor, and writer living in Santa Barbara.
David is a University of California Santa Barbara alum and leads Santa Barbara’s Beloved Community Church, and also Jesus Collective, an online community which exists to foster wholeness and equity by healing relationships and cultural divides, honoring the dignity of all peoples, and protecting the biodiversity of our planet, through actively listening, understanding, partnering, and serving.
Poet Yutopia Essex
Poet Yutopia Essex is a Mother, Lover, Poet, and Educator whose work centers on healing, belonging, and the power of language. Currently serving as the Director of People & Belonging at Cate School, she brings a deep commitment to cultivating inclusive communities through both her professional leadership and creative expression. Previously, she served as the Benefits Administrator and Coordinator of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Harvard-Westlake, where she championed equitable practices across the institution. She holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Development from Columbia University, and her poetry is infused with themes of justice, identity, and the sacredness of everyday life.
Poet Ariel Phoenix
Ariel A. Phoenix is a writer, poet, podcast host, and passionate educational rights advocate from Houston, Texas. With a voice as bold as her name, Ariel weaves truth and transformation into everything she creates—whether it’s on the page, behind the mic, or in the heart of a movement. Her work uplifts marginalized voices and sparks meaningful dialogue, rooted in a deep commitment to justice, creativity, and healing. A lover of tacos, music, and the ocean, Ariel draws inspiration from rhythm, soul, and the ever-changing tides of life. Through her words and advocacy, she invites others to rise—fierce, fearless, and free.
Dirtydom & The Vibe
Dirtydom & The Vibe is a genre-blending musical collective known for their electrifying performances and soulful, high-energy sound. Led by frontman Dirtydom, the group weaves elements of funk, hip-hop, R&B, and rock into a vibrant sonic experience that moves both body and spirit. Rooted in rhythm and community, their music speaks to liberation, love, and unapologetic self-expression. Whether lighting up a local stage or amplifying voices at cultural events, Dirtydom & The Vibe bring a magnetic presence that turns every performance into a celebration.
EvoLucians
EvoLucians is a multidimensional artist and community builder whose work spans music, mentorship, and creative design. As a DJ, producer, and MC, Evolucian crafts soundscapes that uplift, empower, and inspire, blending beats with messages rooted in resilience and collective evolution. Beyond the stage, they serve as a dedicated youth worker, guiding the next generation with compassion and intention. Also a skilled graphic designer and beekeeper, Evolucian embodies a life of balance—where artistry, advocacy, and nature intersect.
P$ Experience
Paris, better known as P$, is a well known professional dancer, choreographer, teacher, and creative director in California. Paris has credits dancing with and for Eric Bellinger, SZA, Kamillion, Mar, Samantha Caudle, Melissa Barlow, D Main and more. She has competed on Latin TV and Hip Hop International making it into the semi-finals. Paris is the founder and creator of the P$ Experience and P$ Academy. She offers classes for all ages in hip hop and jazz funk, and also specializes in adult heels classes.
Kat Lincoln & Sin Palabras
Neo-soul, Hip-Hop, with a touch of Jazz. In the vast array of human experience, there is an indulgence of sight and sound. It is at the intersection of Afro beats, hip-hop, neo-soul and classical masterpieces. It gives nod to various ethnicities and due reverence to the creator. It is created to inspire and inspired to heal. At that very intersection, music lovers can share the common experience of refreshing their souls with the smooth yet rhythmic sounds of the one and only Kat Lincoln.
Kat’s captivating tone and wide vocal range bring to mind the likes of Billie Holiday, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu. The most important Aspect of Kat’s music is her message – one that comes from a place of both purity and purpose.
“I am a healer. My message will touch your soul.”
The New Vibe
The New Vibe is a psychedelic, new-age funk band born out of Goleta, CA. The band will be gracing the stage of Juneteenth Santa Barbara for the fourth year in a row!
They are a fun, high-energy performers who are sure to get the crowd dancing, so be ready to show your moves as soon as The New Vibe hits the stage this Juneteenth.
Black Artisan Market Vendors & Featured Non-profits
This year’s Block Party will include an Artisan Market featuring: Carrie’s Daughter BUnique, Dawn Carlson, Gypsy Moon House, Healing & Feel Good Candles, Healing Justice SB, Howeventful, Kadence Naturals, Kat Lincoln & Sin Palabras, Moore on Health, Myles BBQ, Planet Protectors Santa Barbara, Reyna, Riah Safari, Shirely Girl Boutique, Sweet Haul, Tracy, To Live A Colorful Life, Warrior Mother Essential Oils & Blends, The Whole 9, and The Wisdom Center.
Featured non-profits with booths at the event include: Community Environmental Council, MLK Jr. SB, Moms Demand Action Santa Barbara, NAACP Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Public Library/Library on the Go, and Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics..
Meet the Founders:
SIMONE RUSKAMP | FOUNDER
Simone Akila (she/her/her) is a Black woman who loves Black people. She is a co-founder of Juneteenth Santa Barbara as well as Healing Justice Santa Barbara. She has led numerous successful campaigns for justice in Santa Barbara and currently is one of the driving forces behind the forming police oversight commission in Santa Barbara.
CHIANY DRI | FOUNDER
Chiany Dri (she/her/hers) is a mixed race Black Latina, born and raised on Tongva land in Los Angeles, California. She is a mother of three, an organizer, justice worker and the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Planned Parenthood Los Angeles.
JORDAN KILLEBREW | FOUNDER
Jordan Killebrew (he, him, his) is a Queer Black person with an abnormal love of community. As the Director of Communications at the Santa Barbara Foundation he and his team promote and enhance the Foundation’s identity through marketing and communications strategy, social media, publications, public relations, advertising, and events.
We’re so excited to see the performances and goods on display and want to thank the leaders behind Juneteenth Santa Barbara for bringing these artists and artisans together to make this year’s celebration possible. Additionally, we thank them for all that they do for Santa Barbara and beyond.
These brief introductions merely scratch the surface of these leaders’ impressive history of work within the Santa Barbara community. To learn more about their many talents, and deep level of involvement in Juneteenth Santa Barbara and other local organizations visit: https://juneteenthsb.org/roots
Donate
With your donation everyone is able to celebrate. The Juneteenth team is a small group of 3 founders and 2 event planners, and donations greatly expand their ability to host meaningful events, amplify Black voices, and foster a sense of belonging for all. Let’s come together to commemorate history and inspire progress. Please click the link to donate to this amazing event!
