Celebrate Juneteenth Events

Dear Friends,

This weekend, June 19th, Juneteenth — is a day that commemorates the end of slavery in America.

June 19th is the anniversary of the day that enslaved people in Texas first learned of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865, two and a half years after it was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. This Session the Maryland general assembly passed HB227 which establishes Juneteenth National Independence Day as a State legal holiday and State employee holiday. This year will be the second federally recognized Juneteenth holiday. The history of Juneteenth celebrations is deeply rooted in our State and Country.

For decades the day has been an opportunity to celebrate Black freedom, progress and culture, while also recognizing this troubled, painful part of our history and acknowledging the work which still remains. Please read below for more details about Juneteenth events.

I also want to wish a Happy Father’s Day to all fathers or father figures in District 23. As fathers you have taught some of the most important lessons to our next generation. Thank you for all you do for your families and our community.

As always, it is my privilege to represent you and to be of service.

Sincerely,

Geraldine

Geraldine Valentino-Smith

Delegate, Maryland House of Delegates, District 23A

www.delegategeraldine.com

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City of Bowie

Juneteenth Holiday Celebrations

The City of Bowie will host several weekend events to honor the new Juneteenth holiday:

The City will host a free “Hidden Figures” movie night on Friday, June 17 at dusk at Allen Pond Park. Bring snacks and a blanket or chairs and see the story of the African American women behind one of NASA’s greatest space operations. “Hidden Figures” books will be given to the first 50 households in attendance.

On Saturday, June 18 at 2 p.m., the Coalition of African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) presents "The Road to Jubilee: A Juneteenth Celebration" at the Robert V. Setera Amphitheater at Allen Pond Park. It is a musical extravaganza with singers, an African drummer, pianist, dancer, and narrator that weaves together in an artistic form the history of enslavement and the hope for freedom. This event is for everyone. Attendees should bring a blanket or chairs and snacks. There will be giveaways while supplies last.

On Sunday, June 19, beginning at 7 a.m. the Diversity Committee will host a Juneteenth Sunrise Walk and Workout event at Centennial Park, which is located behind City Hall.

In celebration of Juneteenth and Father’s Day, there will also be a Fathers and Family Bike Ride, beginning at Allen Pond Park on Sunday, June 19th at 9 a.m.
The ride is organized by the Prince George’s County Commission on Fathers, Men, and Boys and “My Brother’s Keeper”, a local nonprofit organization, and The City of Bowie Police Department.
The bike ride is for experienced cyclists and includes a 36-mile ride to Annapolis.
It will be followed by a Fathers and Family Juneteenth Celebration at 12 p.m. at Allen Pond Park.

The weekend celebrations conclude with a concert Sunday evening at Allen Pond Park at 7 p.m. performed by “Proverbs Reggae Band”.

City of Laurel

Juneteenth Celebration

On Sunday, June 19 from 12:00-3:00 the City of Laurel will be celebrating Juneteenth at Granville Gude Park, 8300 Mulberry Street with vendors, food trucks, poetry and more.

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By Authority of Friends For Geraldine Valentino-Smith, Elizabeth Ryan, Treasurer