Page 29 - Florida Sentinel 6-26-20

Local
For many Americans, when they mention Inde- pendence Day, they’re talking about July 4th, which com- memorates the Declaration of Independence. But for African Americans, a differ- ent date signifies independ- ence: June 19, 1865.
Juneteenth came two years after President Abraham Lin- coln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, a document that freed slaves in all states that rebelled against the Union.
The date has been referred to as Freedom Day, Black In- dependence Day, or most commonly, Juneteenth.
Wisconsin is one of at least 40 states that observe June- teenth Day. Our current pres- ident, however is taking credit for making everyone
Hundreds Gather To Celebrate Juneteenth In Tampa
aware of Juneteenth. This came after he planned a cam- paign rally in Tulsa, Okla- homa, the city where Black Wall Street was burned to the ground by a white mob, 99 years ago, on Juneteenth.
After the public outcry, he changed the rally to Satur- day. The racial injustices, po- lice brutality and inequality experienced by Black people in America and all over the
world has amplified the his- tory of Juneteenth. Busi- nesses gave employees the day off and banks closed half day on Friday in celebration.
In Tampa, marches and ral- lies were held Friday to com- memorate Juneteenth and to honor lives lost at the hands of police. A crowd of approx- imately 200 people marched and gathered in Centennial Park and the event was
peaceful and positive. Speakers took turns on the
mic, educating and inspiring the crowd.
The Gamma Zeta Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha helped organize a gathering downtown.
Dozens of people gathered for a march to Gaslight Park where they rallied with fam- ily, friends, neighbors and kids.
Speakers called for reforms to the criminal justice sys- tem, education system and for a dialogue between com- munity members and city leaders. They also empha- sized the need for people to vote.
It was supposed to feel like a celebration, but organizers also wanted to embrace the movement that’s been hap- pening across the county for the last few weeks.
Alphas in Gaslight Park.
Fraternity members carried signs.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY PAGE 13-A