Dear Friends,

 This Saturday, 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. While this year will be the first federally recognized Juneteenth holiday, and is the first new federal holiday created by Congress in nearly four decades, the history of Juneteenth celebrations is deeply rooted in our country and county. For decades the day has been an opportunity to recognize Black freedom, progress and culture, while also recognizing this troubled, painful part of our history and acknowledging the work we must continue to do. 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 and thank them for all they do each day. As fathers you have taught some of the most important lessons to our next generation and I want Father’s Day to be all about you, so please enjoy every moment. 

Lastly, I have included community events of note, information on our vaccination rates, the Governor’s termination of the Maryland state of emergency and Federal unemployment assistance in the state, as well as information on rental and utility assistance.
 
Sincerely, 
Geraldine 
Geraldine Valentino-Smith
Delegate, Maryland House of Delegates, District 23A
"Follow" me on Twitter 
Juneteenth
You can learn more about this important date in our history and more about the City of Bowie virtual celebration here.

The City of Laurel will celebrate at 12 noon on Saturday at the 12:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Laurel Municipal Center. Please find details about the event here.

Support local Black-owned businesses: Check out Feed The Malik's list of MD's Black-Owned Restaurants and Food Businesses, and head to one of the local Prince George's establishments for a delicious meal or sweet treat. 
Learn more about the history of Juneteenth: The National Museum of African American History & Culture has a Juneteenth virtual program - Juneteenth: A Celebration of Resilience - on the history and current relevance of the Juneteenth holiday. 
Upcoming Community Events
for the City of Bowie
  • A first ever Father’s Day and Family Bike ride on Sunday, June 20th at Allen’s Pond. Activities will include: Tribute to Fathers, Music, Spoken Word, Food, Prizes and Giveaways. Go to the website for all the details.

  • A free shredding and Styrofoam recycling event on Saturday, June 26

  • A sustainability webinar on Wednesday, June 30

  • Please find more details at the City of Bowie Website
Vaccination Updates
Find comprehensive information about the vaccine expansion which now includes persons 12 and older at this link.

Bowie Senior Center Vaccination Clinic Closing June 30: The City of Bowie is winding down operations of the Bowie Senior Center COVID Vaccination Clinic but is still accepting second does Pfizer appointments for persons age 12+. Please view details here.

The Prince George’s County Executive reported the following statistics on vaccination rates as of early June in the County:

  • 81% of ages 65 – 84
  • 77% of seniors ages 85+
  • 72% of residents ages 60 – 64
  • 66% ages 50 – 59
  • 60% of residents ages 40 – 49,
  • 50% of residents ages 30 – 39
 
To review vaccination rates by zip code go here.
 
Prince George’s County is implementing mobile vaccine units which will continue to send mobile vaccine units into specific locations including apartment complexes and churches with plans to include barbershops, hair salons and laundromats. The mobile clinic calendar is here.
 
To find a vaccine provider in the County click here.
Governor Ends State of Emergency
and Federal Unemployment Assistance
The Governor is ending federal unemployment assistance two months early in Maryland terminating the assistance on July 3, instead of the originally planned September 3, 2021.

The Maryland Unemployment Insurance program will also re-implement guidelines for applicants to demonstrate proof of three job searches each week. Read more here.

The Governor is ending the Maryland State of Emergency on July 1, but he has extended Maryland’s moratorium on evictions is extended until August 15. Read details here.
Rental and Utility Assistance
The Prince George’s County Emergency Rental Assistance Program still has funding for residents that need assistance covering back rent or utilities - click here.
 
New utility relief is available from the State through the pandemic RELIEF Act being implemented by the Maryland Public Service Commission and is earmarked for Maryland’s utility companies. Please read about the utility assistance funds which are available here.

To get further details go directly to BGE or PEPCO.
By Authority of Friends For Geraldine Valentino-Smith, Elizabeth Ryan, Treasurer