San Mateo County community leaders have called on residents to unite to raise the Juneteenth flag in Redwood City, commemorating the end of slavery in America and offering a moment to reflect on the continuing obstacles facing the Afro-descendant community.
"Juneteenth serves as a milestone and reflective moment in the fight for racial justice both past and present," said Noelia Corzo, San Mateo County District Two Supervisor and Juneteenth Advisory Committee member. County.
“As we commemorate Juneteenth, our County renews its commitment to address the challenges our African American residents and leaders continue to face while living and working in our community. Juneteenth specifically exemplifies how critical it is that we hold ourselves accountable when intent and impact differ."
The Board of Supervisors at its May 23 meeting recognized June 19, 2023 as June 16 in San Mateo County.
On June 19, 1865, more than two years after President Lincoln declared all enslaved people free, Union Army troops marched into Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and free the last remaining enslaved. enslaved African Americans in Texas.
June 19 "Juneteenth" is now a national holiday recognized by the federal government.
The flag raising will take place this Tuesday, June 6 at 9:00 a.m., at 400 County Center in Redwood City.
Presenters will include Kalimah Salahuddin, trustee of the Jefferson Union High School Board and co-founder of the REACH Coalition; Noelia Corzo, San Mateo County District Two Supervisor; the Rev. Lorrie Carter Owens, president of the NAACP San Mateo branch; Jennifer Taylor Mendoza, president of the Colegio de San Mateo; Dana Johnson, community activist, author, and documentarian; Q Smith, vocals; and Jacob Virges, spoken word interpreter.
The flag raising will be broadcast live on the county's Facebook page and the recording will be posted on the Juneteeth website. The site also includes resources such as the history of June 19, a curated reading list from local libraries, and an archive of past Juneteenth celebrations and panel discussions in the county.
As special events, the County Juneteenth Advisory Committee is screening a short film about the date and the Black experience in America, followed by moderated conversation and light refreshments.
The event will be next Wednesday, June 21 at 5:00 p.m. at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Community Space, located at 801 Jefferson Avenue in Redwood City. Space is limited, so RSVP by giving click here.
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