Dear Karen,

Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when US troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to ensure that all enslaved people in the state were freed. This happened a full 2 ½ years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed and more than 2 months after the Confederate army surrendered at Appomattox. We recognize Juneteenth as symbolic of African American freedom and will celebrate the weekend with exciting activities.   

Last year’s Juneteenth celebration was the first in the Pines. This year’s celebration has built upon our inaugural efforts, and as you will see, there are many opportunities for the community to be a part of what the weekend has come to stand for and symbolize.

Celebration Events in the Pines

FIPPOA’s Committee on Black Equality (CoBE) is presenting several exciting opportunities over the entire weekend.

Starting on June 16^th and running all the way through the 30^th, CoBE – in conjunction with Denizen - will sponsor the Juneteenth MakersFaire, a marketplace event to showcase the creative output of Black Queer designers working in design fields of apparel, accessories, object d’art, and visual art. The designers’ creations will be available for purchase at Denizen throughout the showcase’s run. Go to @DenizenFireIsland on Instagram for availability and trunk show dates.

On Saturday, June 18^th FIPAP and CoBE will jointly present an intimate discussion about race, humanity and hope for the future with the writer and composer Joriah Kwamé and musical director Kimille Howard. Come here excerpts from their important new musical: “How to: You – A Musical Guide to Black Boyhood.” Cocktails 5PM with 6PM discussion at Whyte Hall. Tickets are free but must be reserved at FIPAP.org. In addition to CoBE and FIPAP’s sponsorship, this program is presented in association with Straighten Your Crown Productions and BOFFO. How fabulous to have so many Pines organizations behind a single Juneteenth celebration event! Run, don’t walk to reserve your free tickets!

On Sunday, June 19^th CoBE will hold its Juneteenth Salon Conversation – Too Pee or Not to Pee – Is this really the question?: A Community Discussion on Access, Equity and Inclusion in The Pines, 11AM at Whyte Hall. We will facilitate a robust discussion around our community’s commitment to inclusion and how that may or may not align with our lack of access to restrooms. This will be a space where all perspectives, opinions and experiences are appreciated, acknowledged, and affirmed.

Additional Celebrations in the Pines and Grove

In addition to these events being brought to the Pines by CoBE (and others), the Black and Brown Equity Coalition (BaBEC) is presenting a full weekend of activities in both the Pines and Grove. CoBE is honored and proud to be a coalition partner.

Additional events taking place in the Pines: Friday, Saturday and Sunday JuneTea’s from 4-8PM at the Blue Whale; and Sunday, 4-6PM a BoiPKG Fashion Show showcasing the fashion brand of Shareef Hadid, a Black Queer gender non-confirming artist, at Reflections. A portion of the proceeds will benefit BOFFO. 

For a full weekend calendar of BaBEC events taking place on Fire Island, please link here. And for more information about BaBEC, including how you may support their efforts, please visit their website. 

And finally, from our sister community next door, The Arts Project of Cherry Grove’s D.E.I. Committee is presenting a slate of events during the weekend. For a full calendar, please click here.  

2^nd Notice: Seeking Candidates for FIPPOA Board of Directors

At our September 17^th Fall Community Meeting, we will elect four directors and a complete slate of executive officers. If you are a Regular FIPPOA member and are interested in running, please contact our Nominations Chair, Claudia Tropp at Claudiaceleste@yahoo.com. You must contact Claudia and confirm your candidacy prior to Friday, July 8^th to be included on the ballot.  

Pines Party MMXXII 

Pines Party MMXXII is right around the corner, and tickets will sell out. You can purchase while still available at pinesparty.com. Also don’t miss the opportunity to feature your furry friends in the Pets of the Pines section of the Pines Party Community Journal. Ad rates start at $100 for 1/8 page.  Don’t let your pet be left out! Sign up now at pinesparty.com/pinespets.

A special thank you to all the individuals and organizations that spent months developing the many Juneteenth celebration events this coming weekend. I encourage you all to attend as many as you possibly can!

Henry

Check out the new

FIPPOA website!

Not a member of FIPPOA or need to renew? Click here.

Henry Robin, President

Allan Baum, Vice President

Gary Clinton, Secretary

Eric Sawyer, Treasurer

Alan Brodherson, Greg Henniger, Chris Mai, Charles Montorio-Archer, Jay Pagano, Nate Pinsley, Leland Rechis, Russell Saray, Ed Schulhafer, Matt Tague

and Jim Vandernoth