June 15, 2005
DMC Celebrating Juneteenth in Harvin Student Center Tomorrow (June 16)
WHO: Dr. Bilaye Benibo, sociology professor at Texas A&M University-Corpus
Christi; guest soloist Melanie Peters from St. John Baptist Church; Joel Mumphord,
president of the Corpus Christi Chapter of the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); Del Mar College representatives from
the Diversity and Ethnic Training and Awareness Committee; and DMC students,
faculty and staff
WHAT: Juneteenth Celebration commemorating the end of slavery in Texas
WHEN: 11 a.m., Thursday, June 16
WHERE: Retama Room, second floor, Harvin Student Center, Del Mar College
East Campus (campus map available at www.delmar.edu/maps/east.html)
VISUALS: Dr. Bilaye Benibo presenting his lecture “Juneteenth and
the Emancipation of African Americans: A Sociologic Perspective;” participants
from the community and college viewing the historical display, “The African-American
Mosaic,” which is a chronology of African-American history in the United
State; Joel Mumphord, president of the local chapter of the NAACP, presenting
remarks; Gospel soloist Melanie Peters singing old favorites as other individuals
join in; and everyone enjoying a free lunch comprised of “soul food.”
FYI: Not until January 1, 1980, did Juneteenth become an officially designated
state holiday in Texas. On Thursday, June 16, Del Mar College and its Diversity
and Ethnic Training and Awareness Committee will host a free Juneteenth Celebration
to observe the ending of slavery in Texas. Organizers are treating participants
to a free lunch, featuring “soul food,” while also providing them
with a learning opportunity through lectures, a display and music.
Juneteenth is celebrated not only in Texas but also in cities throughout the
United States. Observances now take a more national perspective in celebrating
African American freedom and encourage self-development and respect for all
cultures.
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…two-and-a-half years after President Lincoln’s
Emancipation Proclamation took effect on Jan. 1, 1863.
For the full release, go to www.delmar.edu/news/juneteenth060805.html.
CONTACT: Tamatha W. Jackson, TRIO Assistant Director at DMC, at 361/698-2247
-DMC-mce