June 8, 2005
DMC Observance of Juneteenth Highlights Lecture, Gospel Soloist, Library
of Congress Display and Free “Soul Food” on June 16
TAMU-CC professor Dr. Bilaye Benibo to present “Juneteenth and the Emancipation
of African Americans: A Sociological Perspective”
Not familiar with the history of Juneteenth? Known as the oldest celebration
observing the ending of slavery, Juneteenth recognizes the day that Major General
Gordon Granger and 1,800 Union Army soldiers landed in Galveston with news that
the Civil War was over and that all slaves were free.
The news hit the Lone Star State two-and-a-half years after President Lincoln’s
Emancipation Proclamation took effect on Jan. 1, 1863. The evening of June 19,
1865, in Galveston, thousands of people celebrated their freedom with dancing,
singing and feasting upon hearing the belated news.
In years that followed, other Southern cities began organizing Juneteenth festivities.
However, not until January 1, 1980, did Juneteenth become an officially designated
state holiday in Texas. Juneteenth is celebrated not only in Texas but also
in cities throughout the United States with observances taking a national perspective
in celebrating African American freedom while also encouraging self-development
and respect for all cultures.
Del Mar College will celebrate Juneteenth with guest lecturer Dr. Bilaye
Benibo, a Gospel soloist, the Library of Congress display “The African
American Mosaic: A History of African Americans in the United States” and
a free lunch featuring “soul food.” The free event begins at 11 a.m.
on Thursday, June 16, in the Retama Room, second floor of the Harvin Student
Center, East Campus at Ayers and Kosar. This event is sponsored by the College’s
Diversity and Ethnic Awareness Training Committee. For more information, call
698-2247.
Dr. Bilaye Benibo, a professor of sociology with the College of Arts & Humanities
at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, will speak on “Juneteenth and
the Emancipation of African Americans: A Sociologic Perspective.” First,
his presentation will explore the social, political and economic factors that
precipitated the delay in communicating to African Americans in Texas of their
legal emancipation from slavery. Second, Dr. Benibo will cover the social conditions
that continue to impede the full realization of the promises of the Emancipation
Proclamation for all Americans.
Dr. Benibo was born in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. He attended the University of
Lagos Nigeria and earned his bachelor and masters degrees in sociology before
moving to the United States. Dr. Benibo earned his doctorate degree in sociology
from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. As a researcher, he has several
publications and conference presentations to his credit.
Contacts for Media: Tamatha W. Jackson, TRIO Assistant Director at DMC,
at 361/698-2247 or Dr. Bilaye Benibo, Sociology Professor at TAMU-CC, at 361/825-5980
-DMC-mce