What is Juneteenth?
“Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom from slavery in the United States. It has been celebrated since 1865. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today.” (Juneteenth.org)
There are a number of events both online and in-person this weekend around Juneteenth! We encourage you to stay safe!
Below is an announcement from the Friends of the Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center, a solidarity group based in Rossmoor:
Please join the African American and Friends Social Club, as we celebrate Juneteenth, on Friday, June 19th, at 6pm.
- To commemorate Juneteenth, and to protest Trump having the insolence to hold his first rally in Tulsa, we will lead a “Drum Majors for Justice” (based upon a sermon by Dr. King) walk, departing Gateway on Friday, June 19th at 6pm.
- Our walking route will be to Rossmoor Parkway, then Stanley Dollar and returning to Gateway via Tice Creek Dr, while practicing social distancing (and wearing masks). If you are not able to manage the walk, please come and cheer us on as we depart Gateway, or celebrate our triumphant return!!
- We will display a banner commemorating Juneteenth, and are encouraging anyone with a drum to bring it, although it is not a requirement.
- Questions can be sent to Shirley Rodriques at shirleyrodriques1@comcast.net.
Re-Imagining Police & Public Safety: A Workshop by Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ)
Sat, June 20, 2020
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM PDT
“Across the country, BIPOC are calling to defund, downsize or abolish police departments. What does this mean? How could this look? It doesn’t mean no public safety, it means different public safety. It is up to us to support their leadership and explain this to other white people. So everyone, including BIPOC, can feel safe. Just as we’ve had to explain “Black Lives Matter” doesn’t mean white lives don’t matter, we can do that with changing policing too. Let’s learn, discuss, and hold each other accountable. This meeting will be held on Zoom. The link will be sent out beforehand.”