Megan Anderson (center) and Emma Hirshkorn (right) throw up a fist of solidarity during a past Juneteenth celebration at Yuba Park. Both are helping organize this year's event and the upcoming All Black Party fundraiser on May 3. Photo courtesy of Megan Anderson

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Just east of downtown Marysville, nestled between the levee and 10th Street, lies Yuba Square Park, a 4.2-acre greenspace complete with an old, faded mining mural. It might not look like much at first glance but this palm-studded park holds deep cultural significance. 

“That park used to be an emancipation center,” said Megan Anderson, co-founder and figurehead of the Marysville Juneteenth Committee. “People used to come and find out if their family was emancipated, if they were emancipated, and they would greet and meet at that park here in Marysville.”

Emma Hirshkorn, another key member of the committee, has been instrumental in reviving local Juneteenth celebrations and educating others on its significance. The movement began around 2017 when Hirshkorn and her husband realized their son didn’t even know what Juneteenth was. Their revelation came after watching an episode of “Black-ish” that referenced the holiday and they decided it was time to take action.​

“Next thing you know, we’re hosting a small barbecue in the park, trying to bring it back with just some friends,” said Hirshkorn. “Within two weeks, it was a full-blown event, my first event ever. I learned so much during that event. Marysville is so full of history. It just turned me on to a whole different side of town.”

Since then, Anderson and Hirshkorn have assembled a dedicated team of about eight community members with strong local ties. Together, they’ve worked not only to organize Juneteenth events but also to build a broader network of support and empowerment for Black residents in the Yuba-Sutter area.

One notable committee member is Brian Davis, founder of the well-known Be Xtra. The committee hopes to file for official nonprofit status soon, with significant announcements planned for this year’s Juneteenth celebration on June 21 at Yuba Square Park.​

“The history and Black history that’s here is amazing,” said Anderson. “It runs all through the veins of Marysville. So we meet at Yuba Park not just because it’s a nice park; it’s because it has so much history that pertains to us.”

The committee is currently working to adopt Yuba Square Park, aiming to preserve its legacy as a cultural and historical landmark. Its mission is to integrate Black history into the broader narrative, not as a side note or segregated aspect but as a fundamental part of Marysville’s own story.​

“We really want people to become aware of these histories, the things that have gone on in this community, the things that continue to go on and how we’ve grown from these different ‘sour spots’ of history into beautiful flowers,” said Anderson.

To raise funds for its ongoing efforts, the Marysville Juneteenth Committee is hosting an “All Black Party” on May 3 at the newly opened Be Xtra Community Event Center (1251 East Onstott Frontage Road, Yuba City).

Attendees are encouraged to dress in formal black attire and enjoy an evening of dancing, drinks, music and food.

Entry is $20 presale or $25 at the door and includes a meal plate and access to the dance floor from 6 to 10 p.m. All proceeds benefit the upcoming Juneteenth celebration.​

For tickets, donations or to get involved with the 2025 Juneteenth event, contact the committee at [email protected].