GUEST ARTICLE: Pennsylvania Juneteenth Coalition (PAJC) 20th Anniversary Juneteenth Report

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

Juneteenth is a historical event that has been celebrated primarily in the Southwest, beginning in Texas, and then spreading to neighboring states such as Oklahoma, Colorado, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and other borderline states.  It has become more and more prominent on the East Coast, with the Pennsylvania Juneteenth Coalition (PAJC) taking the lead 20 years ago.  The following guest article is practically everything you ever wanted to know about Junteenth but didn't know who to ask, and was sent to me by PAJC founder Ron Brown.  So you have a comprehensive historical retrospective and a calendar of events.  

I am sure there are other celebrations of Juneteenth taking place throughout the US.   As a kid growing up in Oklahoma City, OK, I have fond memories of Juneteenth celebrations where all our family members came together for a massive cooking and a day of fun and activities at Lake Tenkiller - everything from bar-b-q ribs, fried chicken, buffalo fish, potato salad, cole slaw, succotash, collard greens, apple cobbler, peach cobbler, pecan pie, Devils food cake, corn on the cob, and every kind of punch you can think of concocted by my grandfather - we'd put our blankets together so they all connected; had charcoal and at least 3 portable bar-b-q pits - and all we kids did was play and eat from sun up until the sun went down and all you could see was lightening bugs.  We called it Juneteenth, but most Oklahomans who were original to the territory took it vicariously - it came in with the emigration of Blacks from Texas - Oklahoma was not a slave state - so we adapted it from our new neighbors.  That said, Juneteenth probably has been celebrated in Oklahoma since 1967 - of course Texas since 1865.   I'm pretty sure the tradition of cook outs are still alive and well today in Texas and OKC. 

Philadelphia's PCOL is sponsoring a massive parade and 2-day celebration that commences on Friday June 22, with the Parade taking place on Saturday, June 23, and will be televised locally and nationally as the first Juneteenth parade of its kind (more about that in my next blog post).  

Enjoy this guest post and make sure you and your family/friends participate in the festivities and historic events - keeping our traditions alive is our responsibility. 

Pennsylvania Juneteenth Coalition (PAJC) 20th Anniversary Juneteenth Report                    Presented by PAJC founder, Ron Brown, Mr. Juneteenth

When I reflect back to PAJC beginnings, July 4th, 1993, the day when I began thinking about  and visualizing my ancestors being violently attacked in the streets of Philadelphia, for trying to attend and celebrate the July 4th festivities. This thought followed the thought of Frederick Douglas’s resounding voice “What does the 4th of July have to do with the African”. I then glanced at two African-American families joyfully celebrating the holiday, their great grandparents were forbidden to celebrate. When I pealed back the July 4th holiday which represents America’s Freedom Day, I uncovered the lie. The Thirteen Colonies legal separation from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776 when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June 1775 by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia declaring the United States independent from Great Britain rule. The Resolution of Independence, known as the Declaration of Independence, was approved on July 4, and then adopted on August 2, 1776. To put in contents what actually took place on July 4th 1776. The 13 colonies claimed their Independence from the British Crown on July 2nd. On July 2nd, the 13 colonies unanimously agreed to disobey British law, and  never again pay taxes to the British Crown without representation. On July 4th the 13 colonies approved something they agreed to do two days before. Because of Africans, the likes of Crispus Attucks, Rev. Absalom Jones, Rev. Richard Allen and 5,000 African soldiers who fought on the side of the patriots, during the Revolutionary War. The 13 colonies defeated the British and won the Revolutionary War. The Thirteen Colonies officially received its Independence from Britain on September 3rd 1783, 7 years 1 month and 30 days after the 13 colonies approval of their resolution of Independence. This being true, “What does the 4th of July have to do with the African. On July 4th 1776, over 95% of the 450, 000 enslaved Africans in America were enslaved in the 13 colonies fields and slave quarters. The enslaved Africans did not celebrate the 4th of July in their slave quarters, or in their slave masters fields.

When the free or enslaved African Ancestors tried to celebrate the 4th of July holiday in Philadelphia PA, public streets, they were violently attacked. Most Africans living in Philadelphia saw the July 4th celebrations as a lie. In Philadelphia, the city where those pretty sounding Declaration of Independence words were founded, free and enslaved Africans were not allowed to celebrate July 4th. Many Africans did not desire to celebrate the 4th of July  because of the holiday hypocrisy. The enslaved African warriors living among their tribes believed deep in their spirit they would  one day have to sacrifice their death, their life, their blood, and the life of their children to free all Africans living in America. With their sacrifice, they believed one day all Africans in America will have their own Independence Day.  

On September 22nd 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation for the purpose of saving the union, not freeing enslaved Africans. Lincoln wrote on August 22, 1862, in an Executive Mansion, Washington D.C. letter to Horace Greeley, editor of the influential New York Tribune. “My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that. What I do about slavery, and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union”.

President Lincoln strategically chose the January 1st 1863 date to enforce his Emancipation Proclamation, to follow in the footsteps of the PA 1770 Emancipation Act which became law on Jan. 1st1808. The 1770 Emancipation Act was legislative action taken by PA legislators to start the process of legally freeing all Africans living in Pennsylvania. President Lincoln  understood after meeting with Frederick Douglas in the White House, his Emancipation Proclamation was his secret weapon which would save the union. His emancipation act would unleash the African Warriors to go into confederate communities to defeat the confederacy, save the union, free all Africans enslaved in America. On Dec. 31st 1862, Africans gathered in twenty-two Philadelphia Watch Night Services Faith Based Institution, they prayed not for their freedom. They prayed for the freedom of their African, brothers, sisters and children. The assembled Africans, attending Watch Night Service, did not pray for their freedom, they were already free. The last enslaved African in Pennsylvania acquired his or her freedom by 1860; two to three years prior to Lincoln’s 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. President Abraham Lincoln Emancipation Proclamation fell short, it freed only those Africans in Confederate states who ran away. It freed not a single African in Confederate States. Confederate controlled states chose not to heed to President Lincoln Emancipation Proclamation threat to re-unite with the union, or Lincoln’s threat to free their enslaved Africans. Because Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation freed no one, Watch Night Service attendees,  Philadelphia’s African warriors were left with the decision of having to take matters in their own hand, to defeat the Confederate Army to free their people. Philadelphia’s African Warriors made the ultimate sacrifice. They put their life and the life of their family and children on the line, for the cause of freedom; freeing all Africans enslaved in America, reuniting their family.

JUNETEENTH HISTORY

Juneteenth is known to have begun with the freeing of the last enslaved Africans in America, in Galveston Texas, June 19th 1865. Though this is true, and this is where the southern narrative of Juneteenth stopped. Where the southern narratives stopped, the northern narrative picks up. History is such, the freedom elements which are responsible for Juneteenth originated in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. On JUNE 19th 1863, when Pennsylvania Abolitionist Society members met to implement President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation; to receive Africans in the Arm Services of the United States of America. The PA Abolitionist Society established Camp William Penn, the first and largest training camp to exclusively train African soldiers to garrison forts, positions, stations, and serve in the Union Army, Arm Services. Camp William Penn consisted of 11 regiments of 10,500 free and escaped Africans. Camp William Penn’s 8th, 41st, 43rd, 45th, and 127th regiments where aligned surrounding Appomattox Court House when General Lee and his Confederate troops surrendered to General Ulysses Grant and his Union troops on April 9th 1865.

On JUNE 19th 1865, in Galveston, Texas, the United States African Troops of Camp William Penn guarded General Gordon Granger as he read General Order # 3, which enforced President Lincoln Emancipation Proclamation and freed the last enslaved Africans in the last slave state. A spontaneous celebration erupted, the jubilation (Jubilee) was given the name Juneteenth by those in attendance; the oppression of one by another cease; people of the African Diaspora reunited with their family; enslaved Africans returned to their tribe, free. Pennsylvania 2 years freedom mission  was achieved on June 19, 1865. "Juneteenth National Freedom Day" is the fulfillment of enslaved African descendants Jubilee, as inscribed on the Liberty Bell, America’s symbol of freedom, and as inscribed in the Bible’s Lev 25:10. Juneteenth history is spiritually aligned in scripture, and in African and American history. Africans in America Jubilee occurred in Galveston Texas, on June 19th 1865.

JUBILEE

America’s Juneteenth, is historically culturally and spiritually linked to the fulfillment of Africans born in the Garden of Eden, 1416 B.C Jubilee. Inscribe on the Liberty Bell, America’s symbol of freedom is Lev. XXV vs. X: King James Version Reads: “And ye (African) shall hallow (make sacred) the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: It shall be a Jubilee (anniversary, celebration, festival) unto you: The Jubilee was thus to be inaugurated fifty years after entering the Promised Land. It was to be hallowed as a year of rejoicing for blessings received, when all oppression of one man by another should cease and every man should return unto his processions” (Webster’s dictionary defines procession as march, parade, display, land), and ye shall return every man unto his family (family reunion)”.

AFRICA, THE GARDEN of EDEN

America’s Juneteenth, is culturally and spiritually linked to the history of Africans born in the Garden of Eden. The Book of Genesis: Chapter 2 Verse 8 Reads “And the Lord God planted a Garden East of Eden and there he put man”. Verse 10 Reads “and a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became four heads.” Verse 11 Reads: “The first river called Pishon which compasseth the whole land of Havilah (EGYPT) where there is Gold and the onyx stone there.” Verse 13 Reads “The Second River is Gihon (Ethiopia) that which compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia.” Verse 14 Reads “The third river is Tigris, that which goes toward east of Assyria. (Syria) And the fourth river is Euphrates (waters flowing through Iraq).” According to the Bible’s Book of Genesis, the Garden of Eden included Judea, Mecca, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and Sudan. If we were to put a map of Africa and Asia side by side, we would be able to see the site where God placed Adam and Eve, in the Garden of Eden, in Africa. The Separation between Africa and Asia occurred when, according to historians and anthropologist, a deep and narrow depressions hemmed by volcanic ranges-rift- appeared in Ethiopia, causing Africa’s separation. God breathed thy spirit/life, into the nostrils of a creation with African Attributes, made in God likeness, a spirit moving on the face of the water, 360 degrees free. Africans descended from 360 degrees of freedom to 360 degrees of slavery.

      Africans descent from 360 Degrees of Freedom

The Book of Geneses Chapter 3, Verse 14 to Verse 17 helps us to understand African descent from God’ grace, from 360 degrees of freedom to a state of slavery. The Book of Genesis Chapter 3 verses 16 and 17 reads “unto the women I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shall bring forth children; and unto Adam he said, because thou has hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying. Thou shall not eat of it, cursed is the ground for thy sake: in sorrow shall thou eat of it all the days of thy life.  Thorns and thristles shall it bring forth to thee”. These scriptures reveal to us how Lord God cursed Adam and Eve for disobeying God commandment to not eat the forbidden fruit. God warned Adam and Eve, if they disobey thee and eat the forbidden fruit, thou shall surely die. Because of Adam and Eve sin, their descendants (you and I) gift of external life was taken away. Because of Adam and Eve sin, their descendants (Africans) were made to suffer as slaves, tilling the ground, enslaved to ways in the world. When Adam & Eve sinned, Africans descended from 360 Degrees of Freedom towards 360 Degrees of Slavery. Adam and Eve were forced out of the Garden of Eden. Africans were cursed to slaving in fields; enslaved to ways in the world. Adam and Eve (Africans), were punished by God to take within thy belly, within thy spirit, the serpent ways in the world. For listening to and obeying the ways of the serpent over God, God made it so, the serpent would rule over Adam/Eve and their descendants for the rest of their life.  Book of Geneses Chapter 3 verse 14 reads, “Thou ART Cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the FIELD; upon thy belly shall thy go, and dust shall thy, eat of it all the day of thy life”; thus beginning Africans descent from 360 degrees of freedom towards 360 degrees of slavery. Africans were cursed, taken from the Garden of Eden (Africa), some were taken to the Caribbean Island, some were taken to America, to bring forth to thee, thorns and thristles, picking cotton, slaving in their slave master’s fields.

Here lies the answer to the question, why Juneteenth. Juneteenth is unlike no other holiday. Juneteenth un-like the July 4th holiday, completes the freedom cycle. Juneteenth is a true testament to the moment in America history when all human beings living on the shores of America, were free. Juneteenth is a testament to the ultimate sacrifice made by freedom fighters to see to it that all are free.  

Attached is a tentative listing of free Juneteenth family events taking place in the state of Pennsylvania throughout the month of June. In 1997, the year of PAJC/GJC founding Juneteenth festival, 99% of residents residing in Pennsylvania were unaware of Juneteenth history. The reality of 2018, multiple free Juneteenth celebrations taking place throughout the state of Pennsylvania, throughout the month of June is a testament to PAJC 20 year history, its mission, its work, and cultural ethic. Since 1997 PAJC/GJC mission has been to see to it that families in every community through the state of Pennsylvania celebrate Juneteenth, and is aware of Juneteenth history. Since 2000 it has been PAJC mission to see to it that Juneteenth becomes law in the state of Pennsylvania and law in these United States of America. Today, Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday in Pennsylvania, and recognized as a national holiday in America. Its time in America, Juneteenth becomes a legal holiday in all states in America. Juneteenth is more than a parade and marketplace, its time those hosting Juneteenth Celebrations, take their Juneteenth Celebration to the next level and celebrate Juneteenth in it’s true ancestral form.

Hotep

Pennsylvania’s Juneteenth Coalition

PA. State’s 2018 Juneteenth Tentative Schedule

Thursday June 2nd 2018

Chester Juneteenth Youth Pageant: Chester City Hall Community Room – Featuring Pianist/Vocalist- V. Shayne Frederick- 5 pm- 1E 4th St. Chester PA- (610) 494-1999

                        Wednesday June 6th 2018

TEMPLE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES: CHARLES L. BLOCKSON AFRO-AMERICAN COLLECTION “CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH” A CONVERSATION WITH KENNETH GAMBLE, LEON HUFF, AND VIVIENNE CRAWFORD Sullivan Hall 1330 Polett Walk Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 2:00 PM

Parkway Central Library Genealogy: Getting to the Roots of Your Family Tree: Are you interested in learning the basics of historical family research? If so begin with an introduction to the Free Library’s online genealogical resources. Central Seniors Services in conjunction with our Social Science & History department invite you to begin to explore your family tree. Time 11 am. 1901 Vine Street (between 19th and 20th Streets on the Parkway) Philadelphia, PA 19103 TEL: 215-686- 5331

Saturday June 9, 2018

Historic Society of Pennsylvania Friends Day: 8:00 a.m. Enjoy breakfast with fellow history fans, take advantage of one-on-one service with staff and genealogy experts, and tour HSP’s active processing, conservation, and digital labs. TEL 215-732-6200

iBuyBlack Monthly Community Meeting sponsored by PCOL at Masjidullah, 74th and Limekiln (off Ogontz) 10:00AM-12:00AM - free to publc - update on PCOL Juneteenth Parade

Sun, June 10, 2018

Social Science and History Department at Parkway Central Library: Philadelphia Reads W.E.B. Du Bois: Discover the power of W.E.B. Du Bois’s ideas and their significance in our time.  This reading group focuses on the “The Souls of Black Folk,” his seminal study of African-American civilization at the turn of the 20th Century.  Led by Du Bois scholar and activist, Dr. Anthony Monteiro 2:00 p.m. Room #108 TEL 215-686-5396

Odunde Celebration

Mon, June 11, 2018 

The Friends of Rittenhouse Square Pop-up Storytime with Ekua Holmes: special hands-on art and reading program with Summer of Wonder artist, award-winning illustrator 6:00 p.m.
The goat statue in Rittenhouse Square Address; 210 W Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Lillian Marrero Library We (Too) Are Philly Poetry Festival: A summer poetry festival in six parts, inspired by Langston Hughes's poem "I, Too" and featuring poets of color committed to shared creative spaces. Poetry Festival is organized by the 2018-2019 Philadelphia Poet Laureate Raquel Salas Rivera, and poets Ashley Davis, Kirwyn Sutherland, and Raena Shirali. Each reading will include poets from other cities but feature a poet from Philadelphia. Additionally, at least one poet in each reading will work in more than one language; 6:00 p.m. 601 West Lehigh Avenue (6th St. & Lehigh Ave.) Philadelphia, PA 19133-2228; TEL 215-685-9794

Wednesday June 13th 2018

NAACP of Johnstown PA Juneteenth Celebration: “Paddington 2”; Central Park 507 Main St, Johnstown, PA 15901; Time 8pm – 11 pm TEL  (814) 535-6937

Cliveden Historic Germantown Juneteenth Celebration Liberty to Go and See Play, Based on the Chew Family Papers and directed by award-winning actor and Director Johnny Hobbs (Ticket $15.00) 12 noon and 3 PM (215-848-1777)

Thursday June 14th 2018

NAACP of Johnstown PA Juneteenth Celebration: Unity Coalition Day; Central Park 507 Main St, Johnstown, PA 15901; Time: 10am – 4 pm ;TEL  (814) 535-6937

Cliveden Historic Germantown Juneteenth Celebration Liberty to Go and See Play, Based on the Chew Family Papers and directed by award-winning actor and Director Johnny Hobbs (Ticket $15.00) 12 noon and 3 PM (215-848-1777)

Juneteenth Press Conference: City Hall - by Octavius V. Catto Statue 12:00 Noon

                                                 Friday June 15, 2018

Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church Juneteenth Celebration: 6pm-9pm 2800 W Cheltenham Ave, Philadelphia, PA  (Call 215-276-7200)

Cliveden Historic Germantown Juneteenth Celebration Liberty to Go and See Play, Based on the Chew Family Papers and directed by award-winning actor and Director Johnny Hobbs (Ticket $15.00) 7 PM (215-848-1777)

City of Farrell, 24th Annual Juneteenth Celebration: Live Music 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM Veterans Square, Spearman Avenue Farrell PA 16121 (Call 983-2711)

Clarion University 15th Annual Juneteenth Celebration:  Hart Chapel 10 am- 909 E Wood Street Clarion PA 16214 TEL (814-393-2223)

City of Reading Juneteenth Celebration: sponsored by Reading Branch NAACP, local churches, social organizations and businesses: Bethel AME Church Services. History of Juneteenth; Recognition of Unsung Heroes (CPAAM) TEL 1-877-262-5148

Juneteenth: Jazz & Arts Pop Up Gala: Featured Vocalist: Chavez Ravine Honoring Lady Day in song and spoken word; Meet the Children's Author: of Nose Bubbles by Tasha Holmes reading and book signing to follow; Spoken Word by: Juneteenth Artist Collective of Poetry/ Spoken Word and featured vocals & musicians; Visual Artists: Designs by Minke Blue, Designs by Am Tchet,Sketch artists Cate Gipe

Fri, June 15, 2018- 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; 106 E. Butler Ave. Ambler, PA 19002 267-405-3433

NAACP of Johnstown PA Juneteenth Celebration: NAACP Day; Central Park 507 Main St, Johnstown, PA 15901; Time: 10am – 9 pm; TEL  (814) 535-6937

Saturday June 16, 2018

Johnson House Juneteenth Celebration: 12 – 7:00 pm Historical reenactments, marketplace, music, exhibits, 6306 Germantown Avenue.  215-438-1768

Mill Creek Juneteenth Celebration: 50th Brown St. 11am-8pm Music, cook-out Info. Vendors

City of Farrell, 24th Juneteenth Celebration: Celebration of Gospel 12:00– 2:00 PM    Live Music 5:00-8:30 PM   Veterans Square, Spearman Avenue Farrell PA (Call 983-2711)

St. Daniel's Ray of Hope CDC & City of Chester 8th Annual Chester Juneteenth Festival: Memorial Park: 2300 W. 7th Street, Chester PA, 11 -6:00 PM.  (610) 494-1999

Montgomery County (PA) Chapter, Links Inc. Juneteenth Celebration: 1:00 – 5 pm Cheney University of Pennsylvania 1837 University Circle, Cheyney PA 19319

The Carlisle Hope Station Juneteenth Celebration: 11 am Tribute to Legacy Garden and Entertainment- Poetry Student Essay Awards, Universe in Motion, Da Merge & Dj Ty; 1 pm- 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament; BBQ (open to the Public) 149 West Penn St. Carlisle, 17013. 11:00 to 2:00 Tel:  (717) 249-5144

Booker T. Washington Center, Juneteenth Celebration 1720 Holland St., Erie, Pa, 16503 festivities begins at 12 Noon

NAACP of Johnstown PA Juneteenth Celebration: Police/Freeman vs. Johnstown Teachers Baseball Competition; Roxbury Park 137 Berkley RD Johnstown PA 15909, TEL  (814) 535-6937

NAACP of Reading PA Juneteenth Celebration: weliveUnity 5k Run/Walk (Reading Branch NAACP) 8 am Yocum Library; 12:00 Noon – 6 PM Free Food & Beverages; Entertainment Battle of the D.J.’s (Leroy Moise, Cheese, tip toe, Freedy Omar, Kollie Kirk, Darren Cooper, D.J H Vidal) Games, Dominoes, Chess; 2-4 PM  Central PA African Museum, Google Works- Tour, Children Activities, Berks (Elks) Lodge # 47 Address: 237 Walnut St, Reading, PA 19601 TEL 1-877-262-5148

KENNETT SQUARE JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION @ 12:00 - 3:00 PM  T610-444-8188

Studies Buddies Community Reading Activity– 12 - 3pm 300 Block of East Linden St.
Kennett Underground Railroad Pop Up Museum – 12pm to 3pm

inside the New Garden Memorial UAME Church
Ask an Expert – Chat with Historian Chris Densmore – 12pm to 3pm

Inside the New Garden Memorial UAME Church
Musical Performance from Folkloric Heritage – Location and timing TBA
Screening of “Whispers of Angels” – 9am to 4pm at the Kennett Library – this hour long movie will be shown throughout that time frame on a continuous loop
Walking Tour: Free Blacks & Abolition Sympathizers in Kennett Square– 1 – 3 pm meeting in the Genesis Walkway (btw) Linden Street Parking Garage & State Street

Kenneth Square Juneteenth Celebration is a partnership of the:

Carter CDC –  Study Buddies program, Historic Kennett Square
Kennett Underground Railroad Center, New Garden Memorial UAME 
Martin Luther King Community of Greater Kennett Area, Kennett Library,

Sunday June 17th 2018

Chester Juneteenth Celebration Luncheon: St. Daniels FD Jones Community Center 315 Edwards Street, Chester PA 19103 (610) 494-1999, (610.742.0319)

NAACP of Johnstown PA Juneteenth Celebration: Church Service Mt. Sinai Church; 111 Cambria St, Johnstown, PA 15909; Time 3 pm; Tel: (814) 539-1770

City of Reading Juneteenth Celebration: sponsored with the support of Reading Branch NAACP, local churches, social organizations and businesses: Zion Baptist Church Service 10 am

Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church Juneteenth Celebration, 10am Special Service Program, Historic Re-enactors, Gospel Choir Singers, Tour an Underground Railroad, Tour a Historic Exhibit. Enjoy live music and food.  Shop in our marketplace….

St. Paul’s Elkins Park, 7809 Old York Rd. Elkins Park, (Call 215-635-4185) Montgomery County,

Tuesday June 19th 2018 

St. James A.M.E Church Erie PA Juneteenth Reception: Out of the House of Bondage; Breaking the Chains: 5 – 7 pm 26 E. 11th Street Erie PA 16503 TEL 814-431-4330

Harrisburg- State Capitol: Presentation to State Rep to make Juneteenth a state holiday in the State of Pennsylvania presented by State Reps Vanessa Lowery Brown and Stephen Kinsey.

Wednesday June 20th 2018 

Historical Society of Pennsylvania  Muslims in Pennsylvania - Creating Community

6:00 p.m. Panelists will share their experiences and recount focal incidents that shaped their congregations and Muslim life in Pennsylvania. 1300 Locust Street Philadelphia, PA 19107, (215) 732-6200

NAACP of Johnstown PA Juneteenth Celebration: The Winstons- Memories of Midtown- Hit song “Color him father” Holiday Inn 250 Market St, Johnstown, PA 15901, T: 10 pm; 814-341-5710

St. James A.M.E Church Erie PA: Out of the House of Bondage; Breaking the Chains: 5 – 7 pm Round Table Discussion: 26 E. 11th Street Erie PA 16503 TEL 814-431-4330

Thursday June 21st 2018

Black Negro League Community Tournament & Festival: 12 – 9pm- Josh Gibson Field, 2217 Bedford Ave Pittsburg PA 15219. 724-205-9376

Library Company of Philadelphia Juneteenth Freedom Seminar Black Liberation Past and Present- Presentation by Dr. Michael Dickinson, Assistant Professor of African American History at Virginia Commonwealth University and performances by singer and songwriter, Keisha Hutchins, and Phila. Youth Poet Laureate, Husnaa Hashim. A panel discussion will follow. 6:30 – 8:30 pm- The Trinity Center for Urban Life 2212 Spruce Street Phila. PA TEL (215) 546-3181

St. James A.M.E Church Erie PA: Out of the House of Bondage; Breaking the Chains: 3 – 6 pm; Health Fair: 26 E. 11th Street Erie PA 16503 TEL 814-431-4330 or 572-2869

Friday June 22, 2018

PCOL Juneteenth Historic Ceremony- Wreath Hanging Ceremony, Philadelphia Heritage Chorale, House of Prayer Marching Band, Nanikha, Evelyn Graves Dance Theatre, Universal Supreme Quartet, Barbara Walker, Opal Lee, Sonya Sanchez, and A host of Dignitaries 5:30 – 7:30 pm; 600 Market St. Phila., PA 19106 Tel 302-287-4994

Celebration of Life Black Tie Festival Gala: 6:30-10:30 Heinz History Center, 122 Smallman St. Pittsburg PA 15219. Call 724-205-9376

Pittsburg Juneteenth Celebration and Black Music Fest: 10AM  to 10PM- Point State Park 601 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburg PA 15222. Call 724-205-9376

St. James A.M.E Church Erie PA Juneteenth Celebration Concert Breaking the Chains: 7 pm; Address 26 E. 11th Street Erie PA 16503 TEL 814-431-4330 or 814-572-2869

Saturday June 23rd 2018

PCOL Juneteenth MusicFest & Parade: 12:00- Parade With 3,000 parade Participants, 17 Musical Floats, Marching bands, Drill Teams, Divine 9, Tuskee Airman, FOI, Boy scotts, Caribbean Carnival, NAACP & More kicks off from 15th J.F.K to Penn’s Landing site of the MusicFest 2 -8 pm. Entertainment Barbara Walker, Universal African Drum & Dance Ensemble, Kule Mele, Stylistics Review, Hanah from Big Little Shot: Children Village, Face Painting, Moon Bouncers, Philly Pan Stars; Marketplace. Info www.juneteenthphilly.org

Pittsburg Juneteenth Parade (10-1) and Martin R. Delaney Festival (1-9): Point State Park 601 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburg PA 15222. Call 724-205-9376

Sunday June 24, 2018

Pittsburg Juneteenth Celebration and Black Music Fest: 10AM  to 10PM-  Point State Park 601 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburg PA 15222. Call 724-205-9376

Juneteenth Freedom Day Family Festival @ Please Touch Museum

4231 Avenue of the Republic, (formerly North Concourse Dr) Philadelphia, PA

Pop Up Play Corner: Juneteenth Celebrations
11 am – 12 pm 
Hamilton Hall, 
Main Level All ages with adult caregiver
Explore Juneteenth by  finding food for a special Juneteenth cookout and play with life size tangrams and blocks to create quilting patterns.

Meet the Artist: Joy O. Ude & the Joy of Textiles
11:30 am – 1 pm
Outside Centennial Exploration, Lower Level All ages with adult caregiver
Play with colors, shapes, and patterns to contribute to a giant collaborative paper quilt.  Join Joy O. Ude, a mixed-media artist and designer from Philadelphia’s Fabric Workshop and Museum, to learn about secret messages and symbols in textiles, see how a quilt is made, and get a glimpse into the history of quilt making.

Program Room: Quilts
12:30 – 3 pm
Temporary Program Room,
Lower Level All ages with adult caregiver
Drop in any time to experiment with materials and process, as you create works of art inspired by the shapes and colors of quilts. Quilts throughout history have included messages in pictures and words, including ideas about freedom.  Make your own quilt square using colors, patterns, and shapes.

Performance: Hip Hop Fundamentals
1- 1:30 pm, 2:30-3 pm
Hamilton Hall, Main Level A
ll ages with adult caregiver
Hip Hop Fundamentals celebrates Juneteenth with an interactive performance, highlighting Freedom, Diversity and Togetherness through Hip Hop. Watch dynamic dancing, learn some new movements, and work together to embody the spirit of inclusion at the heart of Freedom Day culminating in a Hip Hop Dance circle representing unity and equality.

Performance: Story Mama
1:30 – 2 pm, 3 – 3:30 pm
Please Touch Playhouse, Lower Level All ages with adult caregiver
Gather ‘round the Baobab tree! Listen to folktales full of people, animals, laughter, and suspense.  Together, let’s bring them to life with music and movement, rhythm and rhyme.

Juneteenth Freedom Day Family Festival @ Please Touch Museum (Cont.)

Meet and Greet: A Touch of Juneteenth
3- 4 pm
Hamilton Hall, Main Level
All ages with adult caregiver
Drop in and chat with veteran Civil War Re-enactor Robert Fuller Houston of Philadelphia’s own 3rd Regiment Inf. U.S. Colored Troops Re-enactors to learn about an important period in history. Robert will share images and information about the Civil War’s African American fighting men and their enforcement of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

End of the Day Music and Movement
4:15 – 4:45 pm
Hamilton Hall, Main Level
All ages with adult caregiver
Meet us at the Torch to stretch, wiggle, and move your body as we end the day with an exploration of rhythm and movement.

Free with admission: TEL. 215-581-3181

Social Science and History Department at Parkway Central Library: Philadelphia Reads W.E.B. Du Bois: Discover the power of W.E.B. Du Bois’s ideas and their significance in our time.  This reading group focuses on the “The Souls of Black Folk,” his seminal study of African-American civilization at the turn of the 20th Century.  Led by Du Bois scholar and activist, Dr. Anthony Monteiro 2:00 p.m. Room #108 TEL 215-686-5396

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

 Stay Blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria