Celebración del Juneteenth: el remo de liberación de Black Surf Santa Cruz une a la comunidad ● UPDATING

Dozens of Black surfers, community members, and visitors gathered at Cowell Beach in Santa Cruz on Friday for the sixth annual Liberation Paddle Out, hosted by Black Surf Santa Cruz. The event celebrated Juneteenth and aimed to promote ocean access and inclusivity.

Attendees enjoyed music from DJ Mai Girl, vegan Venezuelan barbecue from Areperia 831, and activities such as cornhole, spikeball, and bubbles on a cloudy afternoon. Esabella Bonner, founder and executive director of the nonprofit, said the event centers joy while honoring the history and reasons why such an organization is needed.

Bonner was inspired to create the paddle out after attending the 2020 paddle out in memory of George Floyd, whose killing by police sparked nationwide protests. She recalled screaming 'Black Lives Matter' alongside other beginners, feeling the contradiction of joy and grief.

The Liberation Paddle Out has been held annually since 2021 in honor of Juneteenth, which marks the day enslaved African Americans in Texas were freed in 1865, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. During the event, coaches offered free surf lessons on the sand and one-on-one buddies in the water, and Black Surf Santa Cruz provided free wetsuits and surfboards.

Bonner emphasized that the paddle out serves as a space for Black people to reclaim their power in the ocean, noting that surfing originated with Indigenous people in Africa and was introduced to Santa Cruz by Hawaiian princes over a century ago. She stated that the lack of diversity in the lineup is a legacy of violence.

Before entering the water, participants decorated flower crowns and necklaces with flowers donated by the Homeless Garden Project, Common Roots Farm, and Do Right Flower Farm. The event culminated with a circle of colorful surfboards adorned with flowers tossed into the ocean to honor ancestors and celebrate the bond between Black people and the sea.

SeTanya De Shields traveled from San Francisco after hearing about the event by word-of-mouth. She had never surfed before but felt moved to attend to learn about Black surf culture and celebrate Juneteenth, describing the event as a safe and fun activity focused on Black joy.

The Liberation Paddle Out was free and donation-based, supported by grants and community contributions, and run by about 70 volunteers. Attendees could donate for a raffle with prizes such as gift cards and Santa Cruz Warriors tickets.

Bonner stressed the importance of keeping the event free to eliminate barriers to ocean access. Chloe Gentile-Montgomery, Bonner's sister and volunteer, said community support shows solidarity from organizations claiming to support the Black community, urging them to invest in Black thriving.

Black Surf Santa Cruz offers year-round programs teaching swimming, surfing, and ocean connection. Kelvin Nivens, a board member, said his first time past the shore break was at the Liberation Paddle Out two years ago, and he wanted to help establish swim lessons for others.

Since 2020, Black Surf Santa Cruz has served over 1,000 people, with many entering the ocean for the first time. Over 85% of participants reported reduced fear of water after working with the organization.

Bonner concluded that true liberation means deciding for oneself whether something is suitable, without barriers or stereotypes, and building something new together.