So our beloved community family, we are asking your participation in our Juneteenth parade and festival from June 16-18 on the West Side. If you are a small or large business, we ask that you become a vendor at our event. If you are an elected official we ask that you join us in a car as our guest in our parade. If you would like to be a sponsor, we need your support. If you are an educator of our children, we ask that your school participate in our parade and march with us?”or if a student, to volunteer with us and receive credit hours for you work. Entertainers are welcome to come and show off your stuff. If you are a media person, let the community know that we are celebrating our day of “True Emancipation.” And we will have a special area set-up for our community elders so that we may honor our national treasures. And if you live in the community, come with your family as we celebrate Juneteenth.

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19, as the African-American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. It was on June 19 that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended, and that all slaves were now free. Note that this was 2 1/2 years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

Juneteenth Chicago, NFP will be hosting its 4th Annual Juneteenth “A Family Affair Festival” 2006 which will include:

 The Juneteenth Chicago, NFP 2006 Festival, June 16-18 in Garfield Park, 10 S. Woodward Drive at Madison and Central Park, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Festivities include a carnival, family reunions (picnics), libation ceremonies, keynote speakers, vendors, giveaways, networking, and main stage entertainment … just plain fun.

 Juneteenth Chicago, NFP’s 1st Annual Parade on Saturday, June 17, leaving John Marshall Metropolitan High School, 3250 W. Adams, and concluding at Garfield Park. This event will educate and entertain the community, and is designed to bring cultural awareness and pride to our West Side families. Unifying our community is our main goal, and we are asking all schools, businesses, organizations, and churches to participate.

 Juneteenth Chicago, NFP Rally for the Higher Education Amendment Act of 2005/Treatment on Demand, proposed by State Sen. Mattie Hunter; the Public Safety Ex-Offenders Self-Sufficiency Act 2003, proposed by Cong. Danny Davis; and the Voters Rights Amendment Act, proposed by Cong. Jesse Jackson. The rally will take place on Monday, June 19, marching from Malcolm X College, beginning at 9 a.m. to the Thompson Center (State of Illinois Building) downtown.

For more information about becoming a vendor, volunteer or parade participant, visit our website at: http://juneteenthchicagoinc.tripod.com, or call the South Austin Coalition, 342 S. Laramie, at 773/287-4570.

If you would like to be a part of the planning committee, our meetings take place at noon every Saturday at the Garfield Park Golden Dome, 100 N. Central Park.

For more information about the Juneteenth Chicago, NFP’s 4th Annual Juneteenth “A Family Affair Festival” 2006, contact Rickie P. Brown Sr. 773/981-4369.