06/17/2026
SRPD News Release: SRPD Honored to Join Sonoma County Juneteenth March & Celebration
The Santa Rosa Police Department was honored and deeply proud to have participated in the Sonoma County Juneteenth March and Festival on Saturday, June 13, 2026. It was a meaningful experience to stand alongside our community as we marched together from Juilliard Park to Martin Luther King Jr. Park, followed by a joyful day of celebration, connection, and reflection.
Chief John Cregan was honored at the festival with the Community Service Award. Nancy Rogers from the Martin Luther King Jr. Juneteenth Committee and the North Bay Black Chamber of Commerce presented the award in appreciation for Chief Cregan’s “outstanding leadership, dedicated public service, and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community” and his “support and partnership contributing to the success of the MLK Juneteenth Festival and strengthened community engagement and unity”. Also honored at the festival was community leader Evette Minor and Sonoma County Business Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager Marcos Suarez. They are both incredible community partnerswho actively serve our community.
Chief Cregan stated, “I am honored to be a part of this historical celebration in our community. It is so special to see the incredible work of strong Black leaders in our community who paved a path for others to flourish. It is important to understand that there is still work to be done, and I am committed toproactively being part of the solution. We are building a culture of understanding and collaboration at the Santa Rosa Police Department, and this day is such an important reminder of the incredible community we serve every day.”
Juneteenth is recognized as the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It marks June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended, and enslaved individuals were finally free; more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. This history serves as a powerful reminder of resilience, freedom, and the ongoing journey toward equity and justice.
The Sonoma County Juneteenth celebration, now in its 56th year, continues this legacy by bringing the community together to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and shared humanity. Saturday’s event beautifully reflected those values, with community members, families, organizations, and local leaders coming together in unity.
We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this important tradition and to engage with the community in such a positive and uplifting setting. Events like these strengthen relationships, build mutual understanding, and reinforce our commitment to serving all members of our community with respect and care.
Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, and everyone who made this day so special. We look forward to continuing to stand in partnership with our community, not only in celebration, but every day.
Media inquiries can be made to Sgt. Patricia Seffens, Public Information Officer, at 707-543-3634 or [email protected].
Group of people celebrating Sonoma County MLK/ Juneteenth Festival
